Car Makes – Page 923 – Automobiles Review

Porsche Boxster E

Recently, Porsche has introduced some very uncommon vehicles like Diesel powered Cayenne and Panamera as well as a hybrid powered car.

Porsche Boxster E will feature both RWD and AWD with power coming from an electric motor. In true Porsche spirit, the roadster will be also suitable for time attack on the race track. The car was showcased at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, last week.

The AWD Porsche Boxster E will be powered by two electric motors with total output 245PS (180 kW) and a staggering 540Nm at a maximum engine speed – 12 000RPM. The performance is just great – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and the top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

The RWD Porsche Boxster E will have just one electric motor with 122 PS (90 kW) and 270Nm. 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).

The electrically powered Porsche is completely silent, but the engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting pedestrians and other road users. Definitely a great idea!

The battery pack weighs a lot – 341 kg, so the overall weight of the car is 1600 kg. However, the capacity is 29 kWh, which is enough for a range of approximately 170 kilometres (107 miles). When the “juice” is over, the charging will take 9 hours.

Porsche Boxster E

Source: Porsche

May 25, 2011

PRIOR-DESIGN Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet

Prior Design has released a staggering style package for the impressive Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet. The aerodynamics construction kit was a real challenge for the designers, but they managed to make the luxurious convertible even better.

The package consists of a new front bumper, a modified rear bumper with integrated diffuser and a set of traditional side sills. The hood is also revised and two air inlets that evacuate used hot air from the motor space are added.

A stainless steel sports exhaust system was cleanly integrated into the tail with its light and truly imposing sound.

It is powered by a W12 6.0 liter Bi-turbo with 575PS (423 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) of torque at just 1700RPM.

The interior boasts carbon fibre elements, which replaced the old wooden decoration. However, due to the customer’s wishes, there are have no limits.

2011 PRIOR-DESIGN Bentley Continental GT Cabriolet

Source: Prior-Design

May 23, 2011

BMW 328 Hommage

The BMW 328 is considered the most successful and best-looking sports car of the 1930s. That’s why the manufacturer has revealed the 328 Hommage, which had its official debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este near Lake Como, Italy last weekend.

The car is based on the Vision Connected Drive Concept revealed in Geneva, but 328 Hommage is a modern version of the classic sports car. It boasts lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The curb weight of the vehicle is just 780 kg (1720 lbs).

The exterior features vertically positioned double kidney grille imitates the slim, vertical kidney design of the early BMW models. The headlights are very interesting, too. Their round shape is reminiscent of the headlamps featured on the BMW 328.

BMW 328 Hommage follows in the footsteps of the M1 Hommage, which was revealed in 2008. However, the new model didn’t get so much attention.

The interior boasts a lot of elements derived from motor racing.

“With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328”, commented Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic.

“They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile.”, he added.

The BMW 328 Hommage translates the principles and the character of the vehicle of that time into present times and offers a possible interpretation of how the designers of that time, Fritz Fiedler and Rudolf Schleicher, might have built the BMW 328 in the present day using current technology.

BMW 328 Hommage

Source: BMW

May 23, 2011

Nissan skyline – what makes it so special through the years?

nissan skyline gt-r r34 How it all began? The first skyline was manufactured in 1957. And it was… a luxury 4-door saloon car or and five door station wagon. For sure, it had nothing to do with Skyline’s image from the 90’s till nowadays.

The first skyline to receive the GT-R badge came off the production line in in February 1969. It had a 2.0L inline 6 engine. This new DOHC engine produced 160HP and would rev to more than 7000RPM – an exceptional performance for the late 60’s .

After the first skyline GT-R in 1969, it has evolved till 1981 in terms of power and design, but not significantly. The C210 (1977-1981) had even diesel version – 2,8 L inline NA diesel. Until then, the skyline has definitely not been positioned as a purely sports car… but this was about to change.

The R30(1983-1985) and especially the R31(1985-1989) were the first skylines to create the sporty image of the vehicle.

They were also the first ones to have more than 200HP output. These two models did not have a GT-R version.However, they did have versions with more than 400HP in their racing versions. Something else to make the R31 so special is the first RB engine – a base that also used for the R32, R33 and R34.

The RB26DETT era.

The GT-R badge was last put on a skyline in 1973. It was time for it to come back. The RB26DETT – a totally meaningless blend of letters and numbers that was about to become a legend. Two turbines, six cylinders. 280HP after serious muzziling due to the gentlemen’s agreement . However, removing the restrictor of the electronic boost control (surprisingly very easy to locate), the car would make more than 310HP, 0-100 in less than 5 seconds and a quarter mile in 12,8. The R32 was nicknamed Godzilla after 2 consecutive wins in the Australian Touring Car Championship.

1994 R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R — R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The RB26DETT was further developed in R33(1993-1998) and R34(1999-2002) and deliverer more and more torque, but was still advertised as 280HP to comply with the gentlemen’s agreement. There are many examples of skylines equipped with RB26DETT producing more than 1200HP. A real masterpiece of engineering and a dream for any tuner.

1998 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R — R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The left hand drive.

There is only one GT-R model that was produced with LHD – the R35. Apart from its predecessors, it is not using the RB26DETT, but the newly developed VR38DETT. Producing more than 480HP, it accelerates the car to 100 in less than 3,5 seconds.

So after all, what makes the skylines so special?

The mystery is the key. You never know, what exactly you are buying, what the booklet says is… not exactly true. It brings the spirit of Japan. Having all these modern gadgets and and all the technology, a car could possibly fit it just fight the laws of logics and physics (and Porsche too).

May 23, 2011

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

DSQUARED is a Canadian design studio created by Dean and Dan Caten. The twin brothers have announced a restyled version of MINI Cooper S.

It features front guard, rally headlamps, tinted side windows with grilles and the spare tyre on the tailgate. There are also a set of deep-tread all-terrain tyres, a compass and floormats made of structured aluminium. All these elements antly evoke a sense of adventure.

Every year, MINI supports Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event. And every year a one-off MINI is created for the Life Ball, the proceeds of which support projects combating HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 more than half a million euros has been generated by these specially styled Life Ball MINI models on behalf of Aids Life.

“MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball for 11 years and each year it demonstrates anew its creativity, enthusiasm and passion for this good cause. This year’s Life Ball MINI designed by DSQUARED² provides further persuasive evidence of this.”, commented Gery Keszler, the founder and organiser of the Life Ball.

DSQUARED Life Ball MINI 2011

Source: MINI

May 23, 2011

KTM X-BOW R Price – €58 795

KTM has officially released the brutal version of X-Bow. The R model is completely revised and now even more powerful. True to the KTM “Ready to Race” motto the “R” model was driven on the road straight from the assembly line in Graz directly onto the racing circuit.

X-Bow R is powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine from Audi, which has been reworked with bigger turbocharger, an altered fuel injection system and engine electronics have been additionally updated by Bosch Engineering Group (BEG) to make sure that all components work in perfect balance. However, the result is more than satisfying – 300PS (220 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at just 3300RPM, which is an increase of 60PS over the standard X-Bow.

Because of the new power, the suspension has been also revised. The engineers installed a new torque arm that is directly connected to the carbon monocoque chassis. With this, the torsional stiffness is significantly increased, especially when accelerating out of corners and the KTM X-BOW R handles even better. Furthermore, the vehicles is lowered with 19mm, which means that X-BOW R can create lateral acceleration of more than 1.5 g.

Finally, the engineers installed a set of stiffer springs and new dampers.

All that pleasure comes at staggering price – € 58 795. This is way too much, because X-Bow R is not suitable for everyday driving. Still, if the price doesn’t matter, this is the thrill you need.

KTM X-BOW R 01

KTM X-BOW R 02

KTM X-BOW R 03

KTM X-BOW R:

– Carbon fiber racing monocoque with crash box in visible carbon fiber
– Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection and 220 kW (300 hp)
– Mechanical limited slip differential
– Smooth surface racing underbody with a rear diffuser in aluminium composite
– Individually adjustable pedals
– Adjustable and removable multi functional steering wheel
– Sports suspension, adjustable in rebound and compression damping
– Keyless go system
– Painted rims
– 4-point safety belt
– Special paint work in “R” design

Source: KTM

May 23, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power has released another staggering car with BMW badge. This time the platform is the latest E92 M3 in GTS variant. This is a stripped version of the regular E92 M3 with a little bigger engine. However, the naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 has a huge potential, so G-Power added SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger kit.

The result is simply brutal – 635PS (467 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 450 PS (331 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).

The performance date is staggering, too. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 323 km/h – a little over 200 miles per hour.

The suspension of M3 GTS is already on of the best in the world, so G-Power didn’t touched it. The body kit stays untouched, too.

The price for the pleasure is €23 500 including installation.

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II:

635 hp / 467 kW @ 7,800 r/min (+ 185 hp / 136 kW)
630 Nm 3,900 r/min (+ 190 Nm)
Top speed: 323 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.2s
0-200 km/h: 11.9s
G-POWER SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger system: € 23,500.00 (excl. tax) plus installation

Source: G-Power

May 20, 2011

SkyActiv-G 1.3 by Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation has continued to develop superbly efficient SkyActiv engines. The new one is a small 1.3 liter direct injected petrol, which will be unveiled at the Automotive Engineering Exposition that will be held from May 18 through 20, 2011, at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan.

The new SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1, direct-injection, piston cavities and multi-hole injectors. With these technologies, the engine achieves fuel economy of 3.3 litres per 100 km.

SKYACTIV-G 1.3 deliver 84PS (62kW) at 5 400RPM, 112Nm at 4000RPM and will power the facelifted Mazda Demio. The small city car comes with i-stop and CVT gearbox.

Main features of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine

Highly efficient automobile gasoline engine and the world’s first to achieve a compression ratio of 14.0:1
Multi-hole injectors enable precise fuel injection control for ideal combustion
Mazda’s first dual sequential valve timing system (dual S-VT with electronically-operated intake) in combination with the high compression ratio achieves an unconventional Miller cycle (extremely delayed closure of intake valves) that improves efficiency
Compact combustion chambers have a longer stroke for better efficiency
Piston cavities are specially designed to support ideal combustion
30 percent less mechanical friction, due to a narrower crankshaft, new roller followers and low-tension piston rings that also reduce oil consumption
Various countermeasures to prevent knocking, including a cooled EGR system
An updated version of Mazda’s innovative idling stop system, i-stop, improves fuel economy by eight percent. It operates with a higher frequency, requires less fuel to restart, and achieves a smoother restart
A lightweight and highly rigid aluminum alloy engine block

Major specifications of the SKYACTIV-G 1.3

Inline four-cylinder 1.3-liter direct-injection engine (with i-stop)
Engine displacement: 1.298?
Bore and stroke: 71.0mm x 82.0mm
Compression ratio: 14.0:1
Maximum output (net): 62kW@5,400rpm (84ps@5,400rpm)
Maximum torque (net): 112Nm@4,000rpm

Source: Mazda

May 20, 2011

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit

Prior Design now offers a full m3-style wide body kit for the latest BMW 3er – E92 and E93 (Coupe and Convertible).

The aerodynamics package includes a new front bumper with PDC and SRA possible, a pair of modified side skirts, a pair front fenders, completely restyled rear bumper with PDC, a widening rear side wall and modified hood. The kit also includes all mounting materials.

All parts are made from high quality Dura-Flex material, which is superbly flexible and strong.

The package also has a simple cost-effective installation.

The M3-style wide body kit gives unique style to the BMW 3er and significantly boosts its presence on the road.

Prior Design didn’t mention anything about performance packages or price of the wide body kit.

Prior Design BMW E93 M3-style

Prior Design BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit:

– Prior-Design PD-MET front bumper for all BMW E92/E93 models (PDC and SRA possible)
– Prior-Design PD-MET pair of side skirts (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET front fender pair (. R / l) for all BMW models E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-MET rear bumper for BMW E92/E93 models (PDC also be fitted in)
– Prior-Design PD-MET widening rear side wall (right / left.) Fits all models of BMW E92/E93
– Prior-Design PD-hood for all models of BMW E92/E93
– Mounting material
– Includes TÜV parts certificate for easy entry of the body panels

Source: Prior Design

May 20, 2011

Hyundai i10 Blue – Most Genuinely Economical Petrol Engined Car

Hyundai i10 Blue is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.0 litre petrol engine withIntelligent Stop & Go technology. The three-cylinder power unit delivers 68BHP, which is not enough for fast overtaking, but it is superb for everyday driving in the city.

Mainly, because of the great fuel economy – 67.3MPG and the low CO2 emission – 99 g/km. 0 to 100 km/h takes 14.8 seconds, which is a whole second quickere than the previous model. Hyundai i10 stands on small 13” wheels fitted with low-rolling resistance tires.

Furthermore, the small city car is priced at just £9 195.

“Nothing gets our users going quite like fuel economy: when consumption in real life fails to live up to the official published figure, they soon let us know about it. So it’s good to be able to reward the models which come closest to matching – or improving on the official fuel consumption figure and the Hyundai i10 Blue is one of the best examples of this by genuinely delivering over 60mpg in real-world driving.”, commentedDan Harrison, Editor, HonestJohn.co.uk.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK managing director: “Hyundai is committed to researching and developing cleaner, more efficient powertrains to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The Blue drive system – which includes an ultra-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine and Intelligent Stop & Go technology – ensures that the i10 Blue is one of the cheapest cars to buy and run on sale today.”, he added.

The interior has a few changes to the Blue to mark it from other i10s, save for some BlueDrive badging on the doors and tailgate.

The standard equipment includes Air-conditioning and an iPod connection. i10 Blue is a perfect choice, if you need small city car.

Source: Hyundai

May 20, 2011

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has revealed the new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept. The car will make its official debut at the Villa D’Este Concours in Italy.

“The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars.”, commented Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin.

“Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past.”, he added.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos.”, Mr. Bez fisnished.

The project started in 2010, when Aston Martin and Zagato had initial meetings and took the decision to proceed with the project.

V12 Zagato features a new handcrafted aluminium body, a mighty 6.0 liter V12 with 517PS (380 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, and specially developed chassis for maximum performance.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the 53. ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN round at the Nurburgring on 28^th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by an experienced driver team, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be exhibited for the first time at the Villa D’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Source: Aston Martin

May 20, 2011

Fiat 500byGucci Price – £14 565

Fiat 500 by Gucci is a creation of two of Italy’s most respected brands, which represents the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style.

The small city car is priced at £14 565 OTR for the 1.2 litre engine and the masterpiece 0.9 litre TwinAir is tagged at £15 765 OTR.

The Italian manufacturer has released a very interesting program – selling vehicles online. It turned to be very successful for cars such as the special edition Fiat 500 Pink and Fiat 500 Matt Black. The program offers fully automated on-line sales scheme, which allows customers to configure a 500byGucci, pay a deposit, order it directly from the factory, track the car’s progress, make a final payment and even arrange special delivery of the car to their home.

Practically, you can sit in your comfy sofa at home behind the laptop and to purchase a brand new special edition car, which will be delivered to your door. Nice!

“The 500byGucci will enlarge the audience for the already successful Fiat 500, reaching those fashionista customers who want to have a unique car to distinguish themselves,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“And the on-line sales process adds another dimension to the individuality of this special model, creating an even greater sense of exclusivity and exceptional customer service.”, she finished.

Fiat 500 by Gucci

Source: Fiat

May 19, 2011

Category: Car Makes