Car Makes – Page 854 – Automobiles Review

Vorsteiner VS-130 Series for Ferrari 458 Italia And BMW F10 5 Series

The tuning company Vorsteiner has just revealed some new upgrades. Namely, they have introduced one of their latest wheel designs as part of Vorsteiner 2012 Collection VS-130 Series – the new super lightweight 5 spoke monoblock wheels. They are prepared for the owners of Ferrari 458 Italia And BMW F10 5 Series. This incredibly beautiful design feature includes lightweight spoke design, which utilizes Vorsteiner’s latest spoke scalloping and undercutting technology. This is done in order to optimize strength to weight ratios. In addition VS-130 Series also features optimized conclave profiling. To be more precise, the technical specifications are 21 inch forged wheels (Front: 21x9JF and Rears: 21x11J), and the exceptional Michelin PS2 Tires 255-30-21F / 305-30-21R.

Source: Vorsteiner

January 25, 2012

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept at Qatar Motor Show

Attenders at this month’s Qatar Motor Show are in for a treat because a Pininfarina Alfa will be taking part as an exhibition. It is the truly delightful Alfa 2uettottanta concept – a familiar face not only because it has been around for a while (barer of the 2010 Car Design of the Year Award) but also because it is a direct descendant to the historic Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider, also known as “Duetto”

The genetic code of the roadster icon can be detected easily by those who know where to look at. The 2uettottanta‘s engine for instance is a 1750 cc unit positioned longitudinally that echos the 1968 Spider “Veloce” – one of the many incarnations of the Duetto. The Alfa Romeo shield is still as emblematic as ever and so is the red paint that acts as a definitive characteristic in all Alfas. Most of all however, the thing that brings up the Duetto name is the idea itself – It still is a 2 seated, simple roadster, a passion on wheels and a joy to drive.

Alfa Romeo Pininfarina 2uettottanta (2011)

While it does stay true to its ancestors, in no way we can call it ancient. Dimensions stand at 1797 mm in width, 4212.6 mm in length and 1280 mm in height – wider but just a bit shorter and lower than the original Duetto. The body exhibits a multitude of curves and dimples which give an overall feel of slipperiness and elegance. There are no materials in excess, no protrusions. Instead, it is smooth as a soap bar. A line slashes trough the whole car horizontally which in a way improves the road stance (visually).

Will this superb piece of work become a production reality or will it remain a monument that marks the immaculate alliance between Pininfarina and Alfa Romeo, we’ll just have to wait and see.The Qatar Motor Show goes public on the 25th of January and it will host a number of companies among which four Italian ones, including Pininfarina.

Source: Pininfarina

January 24, 2012

Pininfarina Cambiano Concept Update

New teasers coming from Pininfarina about their Cambiano concept and the prognosis is looking good. We still can’t be sure however, that this will be a whole car for so far we have only seen halves of it. No worries though, because what we see here leaves a decent amount of space for pondering and speculation.

Judging from the pictures down below we have a sleek sporty coupe with a remarkably short engine bay. The design ergonomics, with all those curves and lines, feel slippery and dynamic. Also, that tiny wing-mirror hints a great deal of aerodynamic conscientiousness. Then there’s the party piece – a full sized panoramic roofline held together by something that looks like an exoskeleton. Neat! The interior boasts a roomy cabin with seating for four (or two if it really turns out to be a half-car) and there are some wooden veneers in the luggage department, so that’s interesting. The steering wheel brings to mind an airplane’s techy analogue cockpit while the cappuccino color patterns counter with the aesthetics of an Italian coffee shop.

Cambiano is the name of the small town which houses Pininfarina‘s works. This year the community is to mark two anniversaries: 30 years with the Pininfarina Styling Centre (called, back in1982, the “Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche/Pininfarina Study and Research”) and 10 years of development with the Pininfarina Engineering Center.

Source: Pininfarina

January 24, 2012

Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute Auctioned – 175 000$

A very special Chevrolet “Military Tribute Camaro” has been auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. The Achilles Freedom team will benefit from the final bid which reached $175,000. It is an association that helps wounded war veterans to overcome their physical and psychological trauma by engaging them in various sports activities, athletics and marathons.

The 2010 Camaro itself boasts an impressive paint job. It has been done by the renown artist Mickey Harris who has been airbrushing things for 33 years now. He has spent most of his childhood on military installations and one can notice that just by looking at his works.

“The Military Tribute Camaro was designed to honor our armed forces heroes. Now, thanks to its generous new owner, it will help our injured veterans rebuild their lives through the excellent work of the Achilles Freedom Team,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy.

The other impressive thing about this car is that before the auction, it has toured over 30 military camps within the USA including the Pentagon. And now, last Sunday its journey ended at the Barrett-Jackson auction with a novel cause.

The whole project was supported by the GM Military Discount Program – one of the most generous military discount programs in the industry. Through it, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC.

Other US soldier aid programs, supported by Chevrolet include the Cell Phones for Soldiers – This program provides phone cards to service men and women. In 2011, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (worth 100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction proceeds of a 2012 Honor and Valor Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold during Military Appreciation Month in May. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, worth 70,000 hours of talk time. Then there’s the Travis Manion Foundation – named after First Lt. Travis L. Manion who was killed in battle in Iraq 2007, this association has received by GM 250 000$ intended to relief families of fallen soldiers and veterans. There is also a number of events sponsored by GM, which involve active and retired military servicemen annually.

Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)

Source: Chevrolet

January 24, 2012

Rolls-Royce Ghost – Individual models

Rolls-Royce Ghost is one of the most luxurious saloons in the world. However, the manufacturer will further offer several individual programs to make the Ghost even more special.

“It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO.

“With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this. The passion with which our bespoke craftspeople create these beautiful cars is reflected in some truly outstanding examples delivered across the globe last year.”, he added.

In August 2011 Rolls-Royce announced an expansion of its bespoke operation to meet growing demand, doubling the number of bespoke experts working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood by the end of the year. The company is also about to expand its manufacturing facility, partly due to the increase in demand for bespoke cars. Work will begin next month.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: Rolls-Royce

January 24, 2012

2012 Hyundai i30 5-door – Price £14 495

Hyundai has released the full price list for the new Generation five-door i30 hatchback. The car will hit the UK market in March. 2012 i30 5-door is priced from £14 495 OTR for the entry level Classic model.

The new generation Hyundai i30 will be available in four main trim levels including Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav.

The engine range includes 1.6 CRDi manual with Intelligent Stop & Go Technology. It is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS.

“The new generation i30 represents another leap forward in terms of Hyundai’s design, refinement and build quality. Coupled with Hyundai’s generous standard specification along and industry leading back-up service and support in the form of the Five Year Triple Care assurance, the new generation i30 truly represents the complete package for customers looking for a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price.”, commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK.

The standard equipment includes voice-activated Bluetooth®, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level, adds 15” alloys, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s new dynamic Flex SteerTM system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The Style trim level adds 16” alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators.

The Style Nav brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.

Source: Hyundai

January 24, 2012

2012 Jaguar XF SE Business & Sport models

Jaguar has announced two new models that are set to join the award-winning line-up in the form of the SE Business and Sport editions.

The SE Business model is offered with the 2.2 litre Diesel 163 PS engine. It adds SAT NAV system with 7” touchscreen and HDD mapping. This is in addition to the standard specification which includes intelligent start stop, a 400W sound system with DAB digital radio, leather and suedecloth seats and bi-Xenon headlights.

The Sport model is based on the 2.2 Diesel 190 PS engine and adds the full aerodynamic pack debuted on the Diesel S. This includes a revised front bumper, a black grille element, side sill extensions, a subtle rear boot lid spoiler and a black rear valance to create an elegant yet imposing look.

The interior of the Sport features half leather suedecloth seats, bond grain trim and dove contrast stitch as well as electric driver and passenger adjustment. Piano black trim with ‘Sport’ decals on the centre console are joined by stainless steel foot pedals. Practical additions include a heated front windscreen and front seats, a front parking aid plus a reversing camera and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Both the SE Business and Sport can be ordered now with prices starting at £31 500 and £34 950, respectively.

Source: Jaguar

January 24, 2012

2012 Carlsson Smart

2012 Carlsson Smart is now the newest tuning that a Smart can get. And as you view the pictures below, I am sure you think it’s worth it. Carlsson now offer this modification of the vehicle, which includes aerodynamic components, light alloy wheels in up to 17“ and complete interior enhancements in finest Carlsson Nappa leather. Besides those various possibilities for exterior refinements, the tuners now offer also performance kit for the Smart, called CK10.

The CK10 enhances the overall performance of the vehicle. In details, it endows the small city runabout with 82kW (112hp) and 158Nm (117 lb-ft) of torque. This was made possible thank to the special set-up of the engine management system and a sport air filter. Moreover the Carlsson engineers not only obtained a considerable increase in power output and torque, but also they have increased the number of the top speed.

Source: Carlsson

January 24, 2012

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport at Qatar International Motor Show

The legendary European manufacturer Bugatti took part in this year’s Qatar International Motor Show. This is the second time, in which the brand takes part in the Motor Show. This time, Bugatti has just presented an exclusive and uniquely colored model of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. In details this is the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious open top car in the world.

The model has a unique color and is made from unique materials, thus making it unique car. It has a horizontal color split with a bright yellow body framed in visible black carbon, including black-tinted wheels. This impressive color contrast is continued inside in the interior of the car with seats finished in yellow-colored leather with black stitching. Additionally, the middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are made of black leather with yellow stitching. And if you wonder how much such piece of art would cost, well you have to be prepared to hear the sum of 1.58 million Euros. Not a car for anyone, isn’t it?

To go further into details, the last sale of Bugatti Veyron coupé was in June 2011. With this it marked an end to the successful era and exclusive production run of 300 units of the supercar and its even faster cousin the Super Sport. Now the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport includes supreme technology. For example when the roof is on, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 350 km/h are possible with the roof off. It is not a surprise therefore, that this makes the Grand Sport the fastest roadster in the world! Moreover the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 16.4 will be assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, France. Of course, the customers will have the opportunity to tailor their vehicles to their personal preferences and taste by choosing from a broad array of exquisite materials and colors. This model which is on display in Qatar, demonstrates an ever growing number of options. However Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has limited the Grand Sport to only 150 units of which 105 slots are still open.

Source: Bugatti

January 24, 2012

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible and Bentley Mulsanne at the Qatar International Motor Show

Bentley Motors has just revealed their new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC. The luxury vehicle was presented for its first time at Qatar International Motor Show in Doha.

The all new Bentley GTC Convertible includes even more spacious cabin, which is of course hand-crafted. Moreover it is made from soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. Furthermore the new vehicle is now wit even more powerful 575PS 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine. It also has the new QuickShift transmission, enabling faster gear changes. In addition Bentley’s design and engineering professionals have improved and upgraded every aspect of the convertible with an uncompromising quality.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible

Another luxury car was presented at the Motor Show. Namely, it was the famous Bentley Mulsanne, which is one of the most appreciated vehicles in the Middle East. The new Mulsanne definitely got everything essential from the Bentley marque. You can see all the elegance in it, combined with distinctly sportiness. Moreover it delivers effortless performance thank to the classic 6.75 litre V8 engine. Of course its interior is hand-crafted and delivers more luxury than ever.

Bentley sales were up 37% globally in 2011, which equals 7003 sold cars more than the previous year. For example, December saw 1059 cars delivered to customers (up 69% on the same month in 2010), the best month since Bentley’s pre-recession record of 2007 and the second best month ever. In addition the Middle East region remained stable in terms of sales. In details, from June to October there was even an increase of around 3%. Therefore, Qatar retained its position as the third largest market in the Middle East with 70 cars sold during 2011. This growth in sales predetermined Bentley strategy – obviously there is a strong demand for the new Continental GT and the Bentley Mulsanne. Moreover the Middle East remains one of the most important markets in the world in terms of interest in the vehicles. Hence, the demand for these cars is expected to continue in this year.

Source: Bentley

January 24, 2012

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

Nissan has announced the GT3 version of GT-R. The new model meets all FIA GT3 regulations. It is produced by Nissan, NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), which have been jointly developing the car during 2011.

The car is powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 530PS (390 kW) and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car weighs just 1300 kg (2 866 lbs).

The racing GT-R features everything that a professional driver needs – perfect aerodynamics consisting of new carbon fiber package; stripped interior; new racing suspension and a set of new rims and tires.

It is interesting that the car will actually hit the global market at “decent” price of 298 000 Euro (which is more than $383 000).

The car will appear alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship. To celebrate the launch, JRM will simultaneously run the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 as an official Nissan Europe entry in the Dubai 24-hour race, where it will be driven by four Nissan Champions from 2011: Michael Krumm, Alex Buncombe, Tom Kimber-Smith and Franck Malliaux.

Source: Nissan

January 23, 2012

B&B Audi A7

Audi has been offering the A7 for more than two years and it doesn’t have too many tuning packages, so B&B Automobiltechnik decided to give it a little more individuality.

The exterior package doesn’t restyle the car too much. It includes a new front fender vents, performance braking system with red calipers, a set of huge 21” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and for perfect stance – lowered suspension by 30 mm.

The real deal is the performance package for the mighty 3.0 liter V6 TFSI model boosted to 385PS (283 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). There is also a Stage II giving another 23 PS and 30Nm – overall power of 408PS (300 kW) and 520Nm (383 lb-ft). The result is thanks to a high-flow air filter, new intercooler and an ECU re-map. If you need more power, the 3.0 TFSI can become brutal – 425PS (313 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft), which is Stage III.

The 3.0 liter TDI can also be upgraded to 325PS (239 kW) and a staggering torque of 640Nm (472 lb-ft).

Source: B&B and Autoblog.nl

January 23, 2012

Category: Car Makes