Car Makes – Page 873 – Automobiles Review

Mercedess G-Class is now worthy of Cinderella

How do you think a modern carriage would look like nowadays? Of course it have to be worthy of modern prices and princesses. Studio VILNER has the answer and it lies not in the fairy-tale of Charles Perault, but in the magnificent Mercedes G-Class. When you open its door you’ll then plunge into the magical world of the VILNERs atelier.

What you’ll see here is that he interior is entirely made-over and it is definitely perfectly suitable for royalties. First of all the coupe is made with high-quality leather. The bright interior caresses the senses with its relief parts, which can be seen as well in the doors and the roof of the car. The roof itself is separated by a broad black band made from alcantara. As already mentioned the whole interior of the automobile “wears” leather, even the rearview mirror and the plastic elements of the seatbelts! VILNER has done a stunningly great work and has considered in the design all the details! Even more: the small elements of the interior stand out majestically because of the used sleek chrome! The light from the ceilings of vanity mirrors goes out of the round holes of the black alcantara.

No one cares how long the ride from Kingdom A to Kingdom B will take, we are sure that the passengers in this luxury Mercedes G-Class will feel undeniably comfortably. In addition they will have the opportunity to pamper their senses with music, coming out from the “Ground Zero” audio system. All this will happen in the additionally insulated coupe for much greater comfort!

At last but not least, the way will be well lighted thank to the new LED lights, which are especially designed by VILNER for more beautiful and magical fairy tale! Well done tuners!

Source: Vilner

December 7, 2011

2012 Smart For-Us Concept: The Rule-Breaker

Smart is as usual making grate challenges with the ideas that it have presented recently. And more precisely what I consider as a challenging idea is the vision of Smart for an urban pickup. This would probably be the best car not only for the young and people with active lives, but also for those who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space.

As usual the exterior dimensions of the car are designed the minimal possible: length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm. It is so small that it could almost go unseen on the loading area of a pickup. On the other hand this Smart includes state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor. The world-premier of the car will be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit between 14^th and 22d January 2012).

The aim of this Smart pick-up manufacturer is obviously to make them small on the outside and at the same time large on the inside Of course, not forgetting the safety and high comfortability.

The smart for-us is a mobility concept that will be perfect for bringing more flexibility in the city traffic. You might be amazed that it has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them! Moreover you can always charge you batteries thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us. What makes the Smart a special car it is the accessibility of destinations that are out of bounds for other cars. For instance this might be traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The smart for-us not only makes a powerful statement but also its appearance is achieving the one of the conventional mega-pickups. The body is shaped sensuously and with curved lines. Of course the large brand emblem can be proudly seen on the grille. Furthermore the front has a great three-dimensional design (which will immediately catch the attention) with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

Smart manufacturer has used the longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm). Therefore the track has been widened by 50 mm on each side. This also makes an emphasis of the robust look of the vehicle. Meanwhile the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it extremely compact. Furthermore the tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. All of this makes the cargo on the 900 mm cargo area very easily accessable.

However the interior is characterized by contrasts. For example it has the sleek and taut surfaces coloured in white and at the same time has the precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium. Moreover the whole cockpit enhances the aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. On the place of the rear-view mirror it has been placed an innovation: a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. In this way the driver can see the road behind them thank to the integrated video camera.

Smart for-us is definitely full of style and highly functional without being too complicated. Moreover what is really appealing is the fact that it is easy to individualise it. It includes two seats in the concept car which are typical for smart. At the same time the seat shells are open in the middle and are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw which will give the passengers a comfortable seating feel.

What has to be highlighted here is that the electric drive of the smart for-us! It is being based on the brand new drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be presented firstly in the spring of 2012. The 55 kW magneto-electric motor makes the Smart for-us is agile and lively to drive in the city! And not forgetting the 130 Newton metres of torque, which makes the Smart for-us a powerful, lag-free acceleration vehicle, which can overtake other automobiles at ease! To be more precise thee maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. And if you wonder about the power of the lithium-ion battery – it has the capacity of 17.6 kWh.

Source: Daimler

December 7, 2011

2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Since 1968 Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has achieved to make a legacy of power, performance and triumph. In 2008 this legacy was made anew with the limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang (of course it quickly sold out). Consequently the models of 2010 and 2012 are as popular as the previous ones, and moreover they are a proof for the continues Evolution of Ford Racing’s Turnkey Race Car Program

On Friday Dec. 2, Ford Racing unveiled their 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, Fla. The 2013 Cobra Jet went through three year period of testing, racing and customer feedback in order to continue the legacy. It was designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition. And we must say that the model is better than ever and features the latest drag racing technology for greater acceleration and consistency.

To be more precise the 2013 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine options. Therefore every individual taste will be met. Namely, clients have the opportunity to choose a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high-lift cams and low-drag accessory drive, or a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharged version with CNC port-matched manifold and heads, and a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high-rpm use without belt slip.

Furthermore, there has been made improvements in the chassis of the 2013 Cobra Jet. What I mean are the modifications in the lightweight body, which give better weight distribution. On the other hand the electric power steering provides better drivability without parasitic horsepower loss. Additionally a new roll cage design has been optimized for safety and chassis rigidity. Not forgetting the brake pedal – its ratio has been revised as well in order to have more modulation and stopping power. The rear suspension geometry delivers faster and more consistent 60-foot times.

And if you wonder about the numbers of the price, the 2013 Cobra Jet is at best value, with an approximate MSRP of $86,000 (for the naturally aspirated engine option) and $93,000 (for the supercharged engine)

As usual, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang will be made by the United Auto Workers at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June 2012, with delivery in the middle of the summer of 2012. The components of the vehicle will be available through Ford Performance Parts. This of course will allow racers to upgrade their Mustangs to Cobra Jet specifications.

Unfortunately 2013 Cobra Jet production is limited to only 50 units.

Source: Ford

December 7, 2011

Ferrari Tailor-Made: New Personalisation Programme from Maranello

Ferrari has announced the exclusive new personalisation programme from Maranello – Tailor-Made. It is developed for clients wishing to create a truly bespoke car that will be a clear expression of their own unique personalities and tastes.

The client’s personal wishes and aspirations lie at the very heart of the Tailor-Made Programme. Owners are assisted and guided through the selection process by their own Personal Designer who is charged with guaranteeing that the resulting cars are both unique and consistent with the Ferrari brand and its tradition. Once the car’s details have been defined, the client can then track all of the various processes involved in its creation, right up until they take delivery. Naturally, they are very welcome to come to Maranello to pick up their car in person if they so wish.

Creativity, research, original materials, superb craftsmanship and attention to detail are the cornerstones of the Tailor-Made programme which offers three collections inspired directly by Ferrari’s DNA: Scuderia, Classica and Inedita.

The Tailor-Made Collections

Maximum performance, tradition, innovation. These are the Ferrari brand core values that underpin all three collections created by the Styling Centre to inspire clients interested in the Tailor-Made programme. Scuderia, Classica and Inedita are the three different “worlds” to choose from to create bespoke Ferraris through unique combinations of the many options available.

Guided and advised by their Personal Designer, new owners can make their selections from the collections to reflect their own personal tastes. They are also welcome to suggest innovative, new solutions and materials which the Styling Centre will then assess for compatibility.

Scuderia

Racing has always been the lifeblood of Ferrari which has enjoyed unparalleled success on the world’s circuits since its earliest days. The Scuderia collection is therefore very much homage to the track, a fact reflected in the materials and finishes it includes. The list of options in the Scuderia collection ranges all the way from carbon-fibre trim to technical fabrics, chamois and rubberised leather, Alcantara, microfibres, Kevlar, satin-finish and matte metals. Clients can work with the Scuderia collection to ensure their Ferraris epitomise the very pinnacle of sportiness.

The 250 Testa Rossa, which sold at auction at Pebble Beach in August 2011 for a record $16.4 million, provided the inspiration for the 458 Spider sporting blue and white NART stripes over an historic Rosso Racing body colour. The latter’s seats are upholstered in the same leather used in the Formula 1 cars of the past – a trim that’s light, breathable and feels very much like chamois leather to the touch. The original 250 Testa Rossa had an aluminium dashboard which has now been given a innovative twist in the form of Alutex, an extremely tough, light fibreglass and aluminium material. The cabin is also trimmed with a diamond-quilted fabric inspired by the original Testa Rossa motif.

Classica

In the Classica collection, the styling cues and features of Maranello’s iconic GTs are given a more modern yet still classic look, through the use of the latest materials and production techniques. Elegant pastel colours of the past; the use of vintage leather, or wool, cashmere or velvet; special treatments for the hard areas of the cabin to match the exterior; chromed elements, stitching details and more natural leathers – these are just some of the options available from this collection.

Another icon that’s been given a modern reworking in the Classic collection is the FF inspired by the 250 Europa: it has three-layer Ingrid silver paintwork with dark grey sills and rims. The cabin is a hymn to classicism with a few unusual flourishes mixed in: pinstripe cloth and dark brown semi-aniline leather seats, cashmere roof lining, grey carpet mats, interior trim inserts in the same colour as the exterior, teak-trimmed boot. The overall result is a sublimely classic atmosphere harking back to the original 250 Europa without detracting in any way from its uniqueness and elegance.

Inedita

Inedita does exactly what its name suggests: it introduces novel, innovative styling cues which nonetheless respect the marque’s core values. This is the most experimental of the three collections and we feel it may well give rise to some of the classic trims and finishes of the future. Denim, bold leather upholstery, suit fabrics and technical fabrics are just a few of the innovative and intriguing options available to owners who choose to personalise their cars from the Inedita collection.

The denim-trimmed Ferrari California is a good example of what the collection offers: pale blue leather alternates with denim trim in certain areas of the cabin and seats as well as on the door panels and lower part of the dash. The areas of the cabin normally trimmed in aluminium are now dark blue carbon-fibre. The car sports a Blu Scozia livery, a historic Ferrari colour here given an all-new matte finish. The wheel rims are unusual too as their external surface is dark blue while the inside is pale blue in a nod to the contrast seen in the cockpit. A proposal that, from a point of view of styling, really does push the boundaries and sets a new benchmark in the automotive sector today.

Source: Ferrari

December 7, 2011

2012 LUXGEN Sedan: The Family Car of the Future

LUXGEN has already announced several vehicles featuring unique technologies. The LUXGEN7 MPV and LUXGEN7 SUV were only the start and the manufacturer is now setting its sights on the battleground of the medium-large sedan market.

The LUXGEN5 Sedan, equipped with the latest innovative hTC technology, can be considered a milestone in the history of international auto design. The styling and design of the next-generation sports sedan will embody everything that has been developed for future cars. A first look of LUXGEN5 Sedan will be available at the LUXGEN exhibit during the 2012 Taipei Auto Show.

The Luxgen5 Sedan has a superb 0.28 drag-coefficient, while successfully capturing the essence of a 2-door coupe. The perfect 2:1 ratio between the side panels and windows exemplifies the pursuit of “Surfacing Performance” in the styling.

The engine range includes a 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine.

The new 1.8L VVT turbo is mated to an intelligent 5-speed automatic gearbox. A sophisticated hydraulic control system improves fuel consumption and power, which is 150PS (110 kW).

The all-new 2.0L VVT turbo engine has 170PS (125 kW). It is coupled to an intelligent 6-speed automatic transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (131 mph). The 6-speed gearbox also comes with Slip Control, minimizing wear and tear on the transmission and reducing fuel consumption.

The LUXGEN THINK⁺ Touch system’s five key functions include Multimedia, Phone, Safety, Information and hTC mode. Apart from using the touch screen itself, shortcut buttons are provided below the screen for convenience. The most innovative feature is to access the NAVI GPS navigation function using the hTC mode. The user can therefore check the map and set routes in the car or on the road. The hands-free Bluetooth system means users can also make calls using the car’s convenient hands-free interface.

The luxurious saloon has Intelligent Aerospace Cockpit with High-tech LCD/LED Dashboard and Jet Fighter HUD, Intelligent EPB Braking, LUXGEN’s Advanced Technology including Active Eagle View⁺ 360 surround imaging system, Europeanised Chassis Targets Safety and Comfort and the Best Crash Protection and Pedestrian Safety.

Source: Luxgen

December 7, 2011

Kylie Minogue and the Lexus CT 200h

The personal car of Kylie Minogue – Lexus CT 200h was sold for £29,000 for the NSPCC as the star item in a fund-raising auction for the charity’s helpline.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to the generous bidder who bought my personalised Lexus CT 200h, which I have been driving around for the past year.”, said Kylie.

“We were delighted to team up with Kylie Minogue to donate a Lexus CT 200h to the auction. Kylie, who is the face of the Lexus CT 200h, has been driving the car throughout 2011 so it really is a unique prize, and I’m delighted it has raised so much money for the NSPCC.”, added Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director.

The special vehicle was used by the singer as her day-to-day transport and this special association was marked by the addition of personalised headrests with Kylie’s signature picked out in the upholstery stitching.

The CT 200h is powered by a 1.8 litre VVT-I four-cylinder petrol engine with 99PS (73kW) and 142Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. The powertrain also features an electric motor and the combined power bumps to 136PS (100 kW) and 207Nm (153 lb-ft). The performance is decent – 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, but the fuel consumption is amazing – 3.7 litres /100 km on city cycle.

The standard equipment of CT 200h includes – 16” or 17” rims, dual-zone climate control, a USB port and Aux socket for connecting portable music players, Bluetooth for mobile phone connection and audio streaming, front fog lights, automatic wipers and dark-tinted rear privacy glass.

Source: Lexus

December 7, 2011

Vorsteiner BMW X5 M

Vorsteiner has announced their tuning program for BMW X5 M. The sports SUV is already a class act but with the addition of Vorsteiner’s aero components, it gives a fashionable appearance while keeping an aggressive look.

The aerodynamics package from Vorsteiner consists of add-on front spoiler, vented race hood and a new rear diffuser. All parts are made from Carbon Fiber Autoclave Pre-Preg to add strength and durability while maintaining a high class look.

There are no words about performance package for the mighty 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 555PS (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (500 lb-ft) from just 1500RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed M Sports Automatic gearbox with aluminum paddleshifters on steering wheel. 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The X5 M comes with 10 mm lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston calipers at the front with huge 396mm brake discs.

Vorsteiner X5 M stands on enormous alloy wheels in aggressive design.

The X5M aerodynamic components is available now through an authorized Vorsteiner dealer center near you.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 6, 2011

2012 Fiat Doblo Cargo Price – £11 695

For the second time Fiat Doblò Cargo wins the Light Van of the Year award! The awards are due to its blend of economy, drivability and styling. For sure Fiat Doblo Cargo deserves the label “number one light van of the year” because of its efficiency in fuel-economy, appeal, durability and driving dynamics

The popular load-carrier won the last years both International Van of the Year and Fleet Van of the Year. The vehicle is available with a choice of four low emissions, Euro 4 and 5-specification engines. Moreover the manufacturers offer the new Doblò in eight different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Maxi SX, Combi, Combi Maxi, Platform Cab and Work Up . Undeniably this diversity will satisfy any individual taste.

To go further into details the engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp/70kW petrol unit and three MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp/66kW), 1.6 (105bhp/77kW), and 2.0 (135bhp/99kW). And if you already wonder about the prices, the basic one is £11,695 for the Doblò Cargo 1.4 16v Petrol Euro 4), and or £12,515 for the Euro 5 version. A highlight that has to be also mentioned is the “Start&Stop” function which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the van to a complete halt. Of course it restarts it again when the driver wants to move off again. However this extra goes only with the Euro 5 versions thus improving them with 15 per cent fuel savings and a low CO2 figure from just 126g/km.

Source: Fiat

December 6, 2011

2012 Renault Kangoo VAN Z.E. Price – £16 990

Make a green difference in your life with Renault’s Electric KANGOO Van Z.E. The Van of the year 2012 will amaze you not only because of it high advancements but also because it is inconceivably efficient. The prices of this electric vehicle start from £16,990.00 and it is definitely worth it!

As you have already guessed the Z.E. stands for Zero Emissions, but this is not the only impressive detail about the vehicle. The Kangoo Van Z.E. comes with a 60 PS (44 kW/ 59 bhp) electric motor, which is producing 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. It also will have a range of 160 km (99 mi).

What is more important here is that for less than a fortnight after securing the International Van of the Year title, Renault’s 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E. has been crowned What Van? magazine’s Van of the Year. But this is not the end; Europe’s number one van brand also won in the category: Website of the Year.

As a reminder, the French marque has serious achievements during the last year, got four prestigious awards, including the Van of the Year gong for New Master.

Undeniably Renault KANGOO Van Z.E. is a pioneer in van technology, and we can affirm that it deserved the award. Moreover the price will make it affordable for the mainstream thus making the technology more common and utilized. We have to consider the “green” technology more seriously, haven’t we!

If you still wonder, Renault is the first manufacturer that produces electric vans. In addition, it also aims making them genuinely affordable for businesses and organizations of every type. Given all these facts the future of the electric vehicles seems brighter with every day. Not only because of their zero tailpipe emissions in use, but also because of their impressive performance, low running costs and more relaxed driving experience!

Source: Renault

December 6, 2011

2013 Dodge Dart Compact Car [teaser]

Dodge Dart [teaser] Front Angle
The upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart is going to be a state-of-the-art four-door sedan with refined and class-leading aerodynamics. At the core of the car lies the combination between Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge’s passion for performance. Hence you can certainly expect that the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that is firstly fuel-efficient, secondly beautifully designed and crafted, and lastly agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment.

The aim of the Dodge brand is to deliver high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style. This was made possible because of the unique combination of Alfa Romeo’s DNA and Dodge’s perfection in performance. First of all, an important note is that the all-new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture (adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta). The Giulietta is highly appreciated for its great performance according road-holding, agility and safety, combined with exceptional driving dynamics. The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened space delivering segment-leading levels of interior spaciousness. Furthermore the 68 percent of the body is composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. All that combined with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available 18-inch wheels, makes the Dart valuable in driving experience.

The design is undeniably eye-catching! First the exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology. The reason for that is of course the goal to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. In addition the personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders.

The new 2013 Dodge Dart is not only impressive by design but also with its powerful fuel efficient engines! It will be powered by three sophisticated four-cylinder engines. According to the individual like, drivers can select from a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices, are refining the performance by providing the most various powertrain lineups in their class. To go further into details there is a MultiAir technology that delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions. It allows direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion thus resulting in a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.

The all-new Dodge Dart will be made in America, at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. The all-new Dodge Dart has been designed with high levels of refinement, craftsmanship and engaging driving dynamics. There you’ll get all the extra photos and information about the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart.

Dodge Dart [teaser] - Rear Angle

Source: Dodge

December 6, 2011

Steinmetz Opel Astra GTC

Steinmetz has announced the new tuning program for the latest Opel Astra GTC. “Make good things even better,” the result of the claim can be seen in a range of sporting accessories that are guaranteed to the GTC stylish individualists.

The package includes both exterior and interior modifications. The aerodynamics body kit consists of a new front spoiler mounted on the front bumper, a black front grille and a sport exhaust system.

The stance is optimized by a set of lowering springs, which reduce the ride height by 30mm and huge 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires – 8.5J x 19” ET39 with 245/40-R19.

To complete the aggressive exterior look, Steinmetz offer door handle covers and mirror caps set in polished stainless steel shiny accents and body stripes.

The interior boasts an electronic speed indicator, Steinmetz foot mats with embroidered logo and stainless steel sill plates.

All parts have the necessary expertise or ABE and parts are manufactured in OEM quality

Source: Steinmetz

December 5, 2011

Testing the 2012 Porsche Carrera 911 [video]

Porsche has released an interesting video clip in YouTube, where they show how the new 911 model was developed.

The 2012 Carrera 911 comes with -new 7-speed manual gearbox. It is tested in extreme weather conditions from South Africa to Arctic Circle to show the quality of materials of the famous sports model. The new model is known the 991.

“One may ask, why a car must operate under conditions most owners would never dream of living in, let alone driving in. The reason is simple. Porsche is adamant in believing the measure of a Porsche is its ability to perform just as well here, as it would on a German autobahn, interstate highway in the U.S. or anywhere else a car’s owner might be. This is the Porsche standard.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS90XYXi1xg

Source: Porsche via Youtube

December 5, 2011

Category: Car Makes