Car Makes – Page 872 – Automobiles Review

2013 BMW 6 Series GRAN COUPE

2013-BMW-6-Series-Gran-Coupe-thumb The third model in the BMW 6 Series line-up is offered as Convertible and Coupe, and more importantly it is the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand. Of course it keeps the athletic elegance of the car’s outlook and adds more to its appeal. Furthermore in it has been included powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology, which in combination are producing an impressively dynamic driving experience. In addition the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe makes its mark with exclusive equipment features and a level of practicality unmatched by its premium four-door Coupe rivals.

The first thing to be mentioned about the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is the design, which mixes the athletic elegance and an exclusive appearance. With a sporty package and outstanding look it will make an impression on everyone. Brand new for these series is the car’s four-door construction. Moreover it has a sweeping, powerfully contoured bonnet, a long wheelbase adding more to the vehicle elegance. In addition, its low height and a roof line that flows in a shallow arc into the rear allow the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe to set a new aesthetic benchmark for four-door cars.

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, while the straight-six diesel powering the BMW 640d Gran Coupe serves up 230 kW/313 hp. More importantly the BMW 650i Gran Coupe comes with its 330 kW/450 hp V8 powerplant. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the new-generation eight-cylinder unit also includes VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing. To go further into details the new technology package increases the maximum power to 330 kW/450 hp, which is available between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, and maximum torque to 650 NM (479 lb-ft) between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. Furthermore this affects of course the fuel consumption and emissions performance in a positive manner. The BMW 650i Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and its average fuel consumption lies between 8.6 and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres (32.1 – 32.9 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of between 199 and 206 grams per kilometer. All variants of the engine work with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission, while measures such as the Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode, thus making the fuel consumption less. This latter mode is activated with the help of the Driving Experience Control switch thus modifying the engine management characteristics, the accelerator mapping and the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission, and supporting a low-rpm driving style for optimized fuel consumption.

Furthermore the chassis technology built into the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe includes a double-wishbone front axle, an integral rear axle, Electric Power Steering and a high-performance braking system. Additionally there is a Servotronic function and Dynamic Damper Control, which come as standard. Uniquely in this class, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe can also be optionally equipped with Integral Active Steering, which not only steers the front wheels and provides speed-sensitive power assistance but also steers the rear wheels.

To continue with the extras, the equipment relies on exclusive features and innovations in technology. There has been provided a high-quality and extensive range of standard equipment, which includes electrically adjustable leather seats, 2-zone automatic climate control, xenon headlights, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, the Radio Professional with HiFi loudspeaker system, and automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors. If you want to make the car even more individual then there is a selection of exclusive options such as adaptive LED headlights and Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System.

The vehicle will be produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing alongside the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series Luxury Sedan.

Source: BMW

December 12, 2011

2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

A world debut is expected from Honda, which will present at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (on 10^th of January) a brand new concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe.

The new Accord Coupe Concept will reveal the dynamic and aggressive profile of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord. The vehicle will be released for sale in the autumn of 2012. And if you are more interested and are huge fan of the brand, you can watch the live broadcast via webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2012naias-honda (link will be live Jan. 10), when the American Honda executive vice president of sales will present the concept car.

The first of many to come Accord was produced in the distant 1976. Ever since that year, the car remains a leader in style, performance, safety, efficiency and price. Moreover it is one of the best selling cars in the US. The Accord definitely leaves big impressions – the 2012 Accord was most recently included in the list Car and Driver Magazine’s “10Best”. In it the car is mentioned as the vehicle with the highest initial quality in its segment (according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS)). Furthermore with the introduction of the ninth-generation Accord, Honda will mark 30 years of U.S. production of the model at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.

Source: Honda

December 12, 2011

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced Under $26,000

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco thumb Yes, you haven’t read the title wrong: the brand new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995. The sales will start from the first quarter of next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate. The stated price will include a $760 destination charge; however it will exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.

According to the data given from the manufacturers the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is the most fuel-efficient Malibu that the brand had ever produced. Can you imagine that you can now own a fuel efficient hybrid car at an absolutely exclusive non-hybrid-like price?! Do go further into details this is also the first Chevrolet that will feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses unique lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator. Both will enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. Moreover it will deliver a GM-estimated 25 mpg (10,6 km/l) in city driving and 37 mpg (15,7 km/l) on the highway.

Chevrolet has prepared a all-new 2013 Malibu lineup, in which the Malibu Eco as Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan. The aim of the design of the vehicle is to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities. And compared to some of the most popular hybrids it has more powerful engine – 182 hp/134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp/116 kW), Camry (178 hp/132 kW) or Passat (140 hp/104 kW).

The design for the North American comes with an expressive exterior with smooth curves and athletic outlook. Moreover the exterior was aerodynamically improved, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille. Their function is to close at higher speeds and push more air over and around the vehicle. To bring more comfort to the passengers Chevrolet has made more spacious interior using premium materials thus making it the quietest in the midsize segment. Another likable detail is the new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. And thinking about the safety ride, this time Chevrolet has included eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

However the most important highlight in this model is the fuel-efficiency, which Chevrolet has achieved through additional fuel-saving features such as eco-specific lightweight components and systems, Eco gauge, seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires and the eAssist system. To be more precise, the first of the mentioned includes an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-Eco model. In addition the Eco-gauge in the cluster continuously responds to the driving behavior in order to reassure a fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode. And at last, the eAssist system is mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. First of all to be mentioned here is that this 2.4L engine is a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward’s Ten Best Engines in 2010. Moreover it is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. In addition, it also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

The great news form Chevrolet continues: the new Malibu Eco comes with a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Furthermore, certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

And for the every individual taste the Malibu Eco is being offered with cloth or leather seats, in eight exterior (Silver Ice Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, Summit White, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Taupe Gray Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic) and three interior color choices (Jet Black, Jet Black/Titanium and Cocoa/Light Neutral). It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Power Convenience; Premium Audio; Leather; and Navigation. The first one includes all standard equipment eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, rearview backup camera system, remote start, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, universal garage door opener. The second package – the Premium Audio – includes all content in the first one plus pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier, fog lamps, leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel. The Leather Package includes everything from the second one, plus leather-trimmed seating, eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control and heated front seats. The last package has it all and in addition includes navigation system, memory seats and mirrors, and auto-up driver’s window.

Source: Chevrolet

December 12, 2011

Awards of PORSCHE for 2011

It was a successful year for PORCSHE and it can prove it with the bunch of awards that it got!

The brand new Porsche 911 just has just “arrived” on the market and already has achieved a top motoring magazine award. With this award it adds a further one to the 2011 collection already awarded to the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, Cayman R and Boxster.

To start with the newest award, the new Porsche 911 has achieved the title Coupe of the Year 2011 by Top Gear magazine. In order to give the price, the well-known magazine has taken into consideration important data about the vehicle such as its price, its performance, its economy and its emissions. As a world’s best sports car the new 911 model combines a powerful rear-mounted flat-six engine with the iconic 911 silhouette and adds more power and efficiency, less weight and a host of new technologies to improve more the sports car driving experience.

Next comes the award of the he iconic 911 GT3 RS 4.0. It was judged by EVO as Car of the Year. The reason to make this choice the selectors attribute to GT3 RS 4.0’s extraordinary and naturally aspirated engine. Another reason is that the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 a regular winner on the race track. In addition it can produce the powerful 368 kW (500 hp), equivalent to 125 hp per litre. A further detail about the car is that it has a 4.0-litre engine, which is the largest and most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever featured in a 911!

The third award is given by Autocar and it is attributed to Porsche Cayman R. The latter one is declared as Britain’s Best Driver’s Car for 2011, after winning the yearly contest run by the magazine. In the run had taken part 11 of the year’s greatest new cars, and the aim was to figure out which one provides the greatest thrills for its driver. And without any hesitation Porsche Cayman R won it, delivering a pure satisfaction to the driver! With a weight of 1295 kg and its characteristic flat six 3.4-litre engine tuned to develop 243 kW (330 hp), the Cayman R is a representation of the lightweight, mid-engined sports car concept, and moreover it offers a precise and exciting driving experience.

The next award was also given to the Cayman R, which this time made a triumph as the ‘Best Sports Car 2011’ according to the opinion of CAR magazine. This time the comparison has been made between nine cars, and again the Porsche achieved the highest scores related to the tests made on road and track, and the responsiveness and chassis.

The last award goes to Porsche Boxer which was declared as the best among the “Used Sports Car of the Year”. The opinion is given by the professionals from What Car? Magazine, which states that over three-quarters of all Porsche sports cars ever built are still on the roads. Moreover in their opinion, if one wants to enter the world of Porsche then the perfect way probably is to get a pre-owned one. Of course for those who are willing to do so, there is The Porsche Approved program. It offers a wide choice of models in a variety of specifications to suit the personal taste, and in addition each is offered a two year warranty and the assurance of a thorough check-over by Porsche. What Car? Magazine commented that the mid-engined Porsche Boxster this great car can be accessible at not so great price. It is the perfect Used Sports Car because it combines fast drive with comfortability. With the super-stiff chassis Boxster remains rock solid with the roof down. On the other hand the 180 kW (245 hp) and the 2.7-litre engine, it brings joy and satisfaction to the driver!

Source: Porsche

December 9, 2011

Top 5 Muscle Car Movie Crashes

An integral part in the movies since day one, the car crashes have always been one of the greatest sources of thrill and excitement for the crowd, showcasing astonishing metal on metal stunts and impossibly huge explosions! Here we present our top-five chart, in which we have picked the most pioneering crashes done with muscle rides, including scenes from movie productions from the early 70s till nowadays.

Our choice begins with the 1973 movie “The Seven Up”, starring the great Roy Scheider, who chases the bad guys in unique ways. We have picked up this movie, because of its last scene, where the character of Scheider is going after the villain. Of course if you compare it to the movies nowadays, it’s not so spectacular, but if you take into consideration the year in which it was made – then it is absolutely spectacular! The unexpected and “stunned” end of the chaise will for sure make every one in the theatre having goose bumps! Well done!

The Seven Ups
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJPSiUj_Abo

The next place in our Top 5 goes to the film “Death Proof”. Made in old fashion manner the 2007 masterpiece of Tarantino got our attention because it’s realistic and thrilling scene. And although it begins very merry, in contrast it ends terrifically shocking with the depiction of a gruesome crash! See for yourself!

Death Proof
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9_TNV23HR8

The first chase scene from the movie “Mad Max”, starring Mel Gibson, filmed in the remote past (1979) has got a place in our chart, not only because of this one crash but also because of the multiple crashes included in it! Moreover the director- George Miller, has made of this film, frankly speaking, a big automotive destruction.

Mad Max
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEK3OIJqh4

As we go further into the chart, we have a much newer film, made in the most recent years. Of course, we can’t go without “Fast and Furious”! In the part that we have picked, the character of Vin Diesel challenges Paul Walker to make one last final race. So special here, as you can also see, are the almost unbelievable obstacles that both character meet in their way. And if you wonder what is happening in the movie and you still haven’t watched, may be now it’s the perfect time to do it!

Fast and the Furious
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfV87TgYH78

Last but not least is to put highlight on “Gone in 60 Seconds”. However, if you want to see Angelina Jolie, we have to disappoint you, because we have chosen the original film, made in 1974! What make the movie so interesting are not only the cars and the awesome act in it, but also the fact that it was unscripted film! Can you believe it!

Gone in 60 seconds (1974)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hP5QB642fw

Source: YouTube

December 9, 2011

Skoda VisionD Concept

VisionD Concept is one of the latest Skoda projects. The car was revealed at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.

Skoda VisionD Concept is showing how a future mid-size hatchback will look like.

“The car has a strong, sporty look which conveys a beautiful simplicity and a youthful and contemporary appearance.”, stated the manufacturer.

Still, Skoda did not release any additional details regarding the VisionD Concept, but the vehicle looks a lot like the next generation Octavia, which is expected to hit the market in the beginning of 2013.

Skoda’s VisionD has modern styling and its long wheelbase and short overhangs promise lots of interior space and good handling. Probably, a Greenline version will be also available with extremely fuel efficient diesel engines.

Stay tuned for more information about the interesting VisionD Concept.

Source: Skoda

December 9, 2011

Scion FR-S

Scion has announced the 2013 FR-S, which looks a lot like Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ. Moreover, the new model will be powered by the same 2.0 liter Subaru Boxer engine with 200PS (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque.

2013 Scion FR-S can be opted with either 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The car is designed entirely to bring supreme driving pleasure and this is for sure, especially with a 53 to 47 front-to-rear weight ratio.

Still, the FR-S is not exactly the same as the GT 86. The headlights don’t have integrated LEDs, fog lights in the front bumper and the color of the indicators is different. Lastly, the FR-S comes with different alloy wheels.

The interior of 2013 FR-S has features different air conditioning dials on the center console and a CD, instead of SAT NAV system. The steering wheel is different, too.

Practically, this is the same car, but with different badges and lower price.

Source: Scion

December 9, 2011

Ferrari 599XX Evolution

The Ferrari 599XX Evolution was exhibited at 2011 Bologna Motor Show. The special Evolution package for the big Ferrari 599XX includes performance and aerodynamics upgrades.

The performance is improved by adding a new side exhaust pipes delivering additional 20PS (15 kW). The overall power is staggering 750 PS (552 kW) at 9000RPM and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Furthermore, the vehicle is also 35 kg lighter than its predecessor meaning that is a lot faster.

The aerodynamics are improved by a revised rear wing, a modified front splitter and a new rear diffuser featuring a larger surface area with redesigned fences and foot-plates.

The improved 599XX Evo also comes with new compound Pirelli P-Zero slicks for maximum grip.

The new 599XX Evolution can lap the Fiorano racetrack in 1 minute and 15 seconds.

Source: Ferrari

December 8, 2011

Honda AC X Concept

Honda has introduced the AC X Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and futuristic exterior, and interior design. The “AC-X” comes from Advanced Cruiser Experience.

The AC X Concept is designed for long trips as the comfort is at first place, which also means that the vehicle has automatic driving mode. Clearly, this is not possible these days, but Honda will work on this. Actually, the manufacturer plans to produce the AC X in a limited edition series and all cars will be used for public testing.

Up front, the vehicle looks a lot like the old civic and the rear end is borrowed from CR-Z, so the cruiser can use the same powertrain as the CR-Z model.

Stay tuned for further details about the futuristic AC-X Concept.

Source: Honda

December 8, 2011

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

BRABUS ULTIMATE electric drive is based on Smart ForTwo convertible. It will hit the market in spring 2012 with more power and better performance than its production brethren. Still, there are no exact figures for the ecofriendly city sports car.

Originally the electric drive vehicles has a less than thrilling sound and is particularly heard to hear for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. However, a BRABUS sound generator lends the ULTIMATE electric drive the sound of a V8 engine or space-age soundscapes whose volume is dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal. Great! First, we have to drive underpowered small electric cars and now we will make them to sound like a real car. No thanks!

The exterior comes in matte white and features BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back to make space for the large BRABUS Monoblock VI in dimensions 7J x 18” with 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires up front and 8.5J x 18” with 235/30 R 18 for the rear.

The wider track of the widened two-door car contributes to its agile and safe handling as does the height-adjustable coilover suspension.

The front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle and the WIDESTAR side skirts of the wide version create a visually and aerodynamically harmonious transition between the fender flares front and back.

The interior boasts all-leather upholstery including seats, door panels and dashboard. The white leather is sewn with the finest green thread. Green trim and green accessories in the cockpit add further contrasts.

BRABUS ULTIMATE Electric Drive Smart ForTwo Convertible

Source: Brabus

December 8, 2011

2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack

The new GT-R will be even more faster with the special “Track Pack” offering some very nice goodies. Furthermore, the 2012 Nissan GT-R Track Pack is fully road legal.

The exterior modifications includes a new lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with gloss black painted centres. The brakes receive additional cooling by ducts built into the front bumper reducing the operating temperature of the front brake discs by as much as 100 degrees during track use. Similar ducts, hidden behind the rear wheels, channel cooling air over the rear discs. With improved stopping performance, the GT-R Track Pack is even more brutal, when it is driven hard.

The suspension is also improved by revising the spring rates for optimal track use. The dampers are adjustable to offer more comfort when the car is being used on the road.

The interior boasts nice Recaro front seats trimmed with blue bolsters and an innovative high grip material. The rear seats have been removed to save weight. A “Track Pack” emblem on the centre console identifies this model as a special GT-R.

The brilliant 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is not improved, because it already has 550PS (404 kW) at 6400RPM and 652Nm (483 lb-ft) at just 3200RPM, which is enough to stop the clock at 2.8 seconds from stand still to 100 km/h.

The Track Pack is priced at £10 000, which means that 2012 Nissan GT-R Track pack has a price tag of £84 450. The model is already available to order in 21 Nissan High Performance Centres around the UK as the first deliveries are expected in March, next year.

Source: Nissan

December 8, 2011

2012 Rinspeed “Dock+Go” mobility concept

The motto of the concept is simple: “Take 3!” and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking “but only if you need them”! This third axle with two wheels is the main feature of the brand new modular mobility system from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht. Under the name “Dock+Go” the Swiss will present the vehicle from 8^th till 18^th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. What is so special about this concept lies in the aim of docking “backpacks on wheels.” Moreover these single-axle “packs” can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary.

As a basis “Dock+Go.” could be used any electric car: for example you can have the two-seated smart. Furthermore there is a great range of “packs” thank to which you can turn the electric-powered mini car into a dream car of any pizza delivery driver (additionally completed with an integrated heated box). As it goes for the craftsmen – there is a very special thing prepared: a toolbox pack with well-organized spaces for every tool! Eventually after the day has gone and all the work is done everything could e docked to the rear of the mini-mobile.

And here is the great news for all “high-speed” admirers. When you want to accelerate the kilometers per hour more than just 120, there have been provided an “energy pack” with a combustion engine or range extender, packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. Thank to it, there is an added range for reaching more distant destinations. Additionally manufacturers have shared a simple but clever trick: the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and thus recharges the on-board battery of the city car; hence thus the first Vario-Hybrid is born! If you wonder how you can charge the batteries you can do it at home using the energy pack. The last one is recharged with solar power from the roof, thus making living and driving without any CO2 emissions a reality. A perfect car for any environmentalist isn’t it

Source: Rinspeed

December 8, 2011

Category: Car Makes