Automobiles Review – Page 1008 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

ABT 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

ABT has introduced a styling and a performance packages for the latest 2012 Beetle. Still, these are just two renderings, but the car will look exactly the same.

There will be performance mods for the 1.2TSI boosted to 140PS (103 kW), the 1.4TSI will have 210PS (154 kW) and the top-of-range 2.0TFSI will have 240PS (176 kW). The 1.6TDI will gain additional 20PS (15 kW) and the bigger 2.0TDI will have 170PS (125 kW), instead of 140PS (103 kW).

The styling package consists of a new front bumper, a rear diffuser with oval exhaust pipes and a pair of side skirts. There will be also headlight brows and some nice graphics.

The stance is improved by installing a set of lowering springs.

The car stands on Abt DR wheels fitted with low profile tires.

Everything is good, but still we think that the modified Beetle looks rather sad, mainly because of the ridiculous headlight brows. We hope that ABT will reconsider some touches and make the small city car better.

Source: Abt Sportsline

July 6, 2011

Mazda MX-5 Karai Special Edition

Mazda has introduced a new limited edition MX-5. Karai will be available exclusively for the German market. Mazda MX-5 Karai will be produced in just 165 units and the price is €30 000.

MX-5 Karai boasts Metis Green Metallic paint finish. The limited edition is based on the top-of-range sport-line package. It comes with black leather and Alcantara Recaro sports seats, electric folding roof and nice 17” alloy wheels finished in matte black fitted with low profile tires.

The interior features silver trim elements and black steering wheel trim. There are also some black elements outside – front grill, fog light surrounds and mirrors housings.

The limited edition MX-5 Karai includes sport mufflers, a lowering spring kit and an iPod and USB adapter and an exclusive floor mats.

All customers will also get a special Sinn chronograph in a matching green-black color design.

Mazda MX-5 is one of the most appreciated roadsters in the world. There are over 800 000 units sold worldwide, so the new special edition will further boost the interest of the fans.

Source: Mazda

July 6, 2011

Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible at the 2011 GoodWood

Bentley took a part at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the impressive Continental Supersports convertible, which recently has set a new world ice-speed record.

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible is powered by a 6.0 litre W12 with some upgrades like a new air intake, bigger intercooler and a sport exhaust system. The result is 640PS (471 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a Quickshift 6-speed automatic gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, flat and top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

“Driving this very special Bentley Continental in front of the packed Goodwood grandstands was a special experience for me,” said Juha Kankunnen, four-time world rally champion.

“Driving on a frozen sea was a unique challenge and only a few Bentley engineers and my support crew were there to witness the new world record. So it was a pleasure to provide a glimpse of the capabilities of this Bentley to a huge audience of motorsport enthusiasts on a beautiful summer’s day.”, he added.

2011 GoodWood - Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible — 2011 GoodWood – Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2011

Twingo Renaultsport R2

RenaultSport has announced a special version of Twingo. R2 Trophy will run alongside the MSA British Rally Championship, following each event across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man from 2012.

The car is based on the 133HP Twingo Renaultsport and is aimed at budget conscious buyers, coming in the form of motorsport kits featuring all the required parts.

“Renault Sport Technologies intensifies its presence in UK rallying and the creation of a Trophy for Twingo in R1 and R2 categories makes me very happy. The remarkable road holding abilities of Twingo Renaultsport 133 will help young rally drivers to compete in a national championship, at an affordable price. This new trophy will reinforce the image of Renaultsport cars in the UK market which is extremely important for our brand and where Renault Sport Technologies has been enjoying a constant growth in the recent years.”, commented RENAULT Sport Technologies’ CEO, Patrice Ratti.

Source: Renault

July 6, 2011

2011 Infiniti M37S

Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber began his preparations for the British Grand Prix early this week. He had some fun at the race track with a high performance Infiniti M37S.

Webber demonstrated the true performance of the road car, lapping at high speed in varying conditions. He also completed an in-depth interview looking ahead to this weekend. Last year, Mark took a memorable victory in Red Bull Racing’s home, so the expectations this year are huge.

Infiniti M37S is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 petrol with VVEL delivering 320ps (235 kW) at 7000RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode & magnesium paddle shifts and all power is put on the road through the rear wheels. 0 to 100km/h takes 6.2 seconds.

2011 Infiniti M37S

2011 Infiniti M37S

Engine:
3.7-litre V6 petrol VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift)

Power:
235kw (320ps) at 7 000RPM

Transmission:
7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode & magnesium paddle shifts
Rear-wheel drive with four-wheel active steer (4WAS)

Performance:
0-100km/h: 6.2 seconds

Source: Infiniti

July 6, 2011

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition

BMW will hit the market with the new 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, this autumn. The car is specially designed for drivers, who has to travel long distances and care about the planet as well as their comfort.

520d EDE is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 liter turbo-charged diesel with 184PS (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque available at very low engine speeds. If you think that a big saloon with four-cylinder engine is not something special, check this out! 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and the top speed is 231 km/h (144 mph). The staggering about the car is its fuel consumption – 4.5 litres per 100 km (62.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. Nice, A?

The amazing result are thanks to an Auto Start-Stop, an Optimum Shift Indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration and active cooling flap control, plus a longer final drive ratio and special aero rims with “Streamline” styling.

The manufacturer will also introduce a new 2.0-liter petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. The 2012 520i has the same power as the diesel 184PS (135 kW), but less torque – 270Nm (199 lb-ft). Still, the acceleration is way better – 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph). The better acceleration comes with lower mileage – 41.5mpg (6.8 litres per 100 km) and CO2 emissions of 157 g/km.

The more powerful 528i has 245PS (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: BMW

July 6, 2011

Ford Capri – The Legend Is Back

After the Scirocco, the Beetle and the Mini, it is time for another legend to comeback on stage. Ford has announced that for the 40^th anniversary of the Capri, a new model will be launched on the market both to revive the legend and to compete the Megane coupe and the Scirocco.

The design of the car is expected to follow the lines of Iosis Max, a concept first revealed in 2009. Many people will wonder, if we have a sporty Focus, what’s the use of another Capri? The answer is simple: This will not be a hot hatch, but more a coupe, what is more it will be the new face of Ford and will have the responsibility to show the world Ford’s new vision and design concepts.

Of course sooner or later it will come down to power – and Ford has definitely something to offer – up-to-date with modern tendencies, the engines used will be turbocharged. Unlike the ancestors the new Capri will also be offered with diesel engines 130HP-197HP (expected). The petrol engines will be a 1.6 liter with either 148HP or 178HP and a 2.0 liter with about 200HP. The set up is expected to propel the coupe to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 6 seconds and reach 250 km/h (155 mph).

To be honest this is a pity. Remember, the top versions back then were 6 cylinders, I do not think anyone needs to be reminded what is the sound of a well balanced 6 cylinder engine. At least in terms of power, things seem to be on the right track. I don’t know if you have ever driven a Capri, but let me tell you something, being too hard on the throttle would make the car drift and smoke would come out of the rear tires. If you are too hard on the new Capri, well, you will definitely feel the G force violently pushing you to the seat, but, there is always a “but”, the plans for the new Capri is to make it FWD. On the one hand this is what car manufacturers tend to do nowadays, but on the other, can you imagine a FWD Mustang or Camaro? This is not how a legend is brought back to life.

So this car is expected to cost some $30 000. Is it worth it? Yes and no to be honest. It is indeed a well shaped car with a lot of sports elements on the body, turbocharged engine and the Capri badge in the back. Which is in my opinion its greatest drawback? No 6 cylinders, no RWD fun, no Capri. You cannot put a “chocolate” badge on cereal and convince your kid it’s made of cocoa, can you?

July 5, 2011

Volvo S60 Performance Project

Volvo Car Australia introduces S60 Performance Project, which is co-developed with Polestar and Heico.

The unique model is based on the T6 R-Design and has some upgrades like a sport exhaust system and 19” Heico alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli performance tires.

The tuned S60 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter petrol engine with 330PS (242 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. These results are thanks to an ECU re-map, which boosts the engine with 25PS (18 kW) and 40Nm (29 lb-ft) over the factory power.

Like the R Design models the S60 Performance Project has been lowered by 15mm and features sports suspension that includes monotube damping at the rear, 15 per cent stiffer springs and the bushings that are 20 percent stiffer compared with the dynamic chassis in the regular S60 models.

The interior boasts sports seats with firmer side bolstering, leather clad three spoke steering wheel, dials with blue surrounds and aluminium ridged pedals.

Volvo Car Australia is currently evaluating S60 Performance Project. Depending on customer demand there may be the option to build the S60 show car in limited numbers.

“Volvo is not traditionally recognized for performance in Australia but that is changing,” comments Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid.

Source: Volvo

July 5, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Volt Price – £28 545

Chevrolet has announced 2011 Volt for the UK market and the price is just £28 545. The car a range of 30 to 50 miles only on electricity and can achieve an impressive result of 127 mpg, which is 1.85 liters per 100 km.

Chevy Volt suffered a huge criticism, because of the ridiculous statements of GM. Firstly, they claimed that the car will go with only 1 liter per 100km (230mpg) and after that, Volt was named an EV (electric vehicle), but in fact it is a plug-in hybrid since the gasoline engine it carries turns on to help with acceleration.

2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by an electric motor with maximum power of 150PS (111 kW) and 368Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The car has 16 kWh (10.4 kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack and, when it is depleted, a small naturally aspirated 1.4 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 80HP powers a 55kW generator to extend the Volt’s range.

Still, Volt is expected to have huge success, because of its efficiency and performance.

Source: Chevrolet

July 5, 2011

Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4 – fastest at the 2011 GoodWood

The fastest car at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed is staggering Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4, which took to course of 1.16 miles in just 48.07 seconds.

In fact, the Celica had to beat many famous racing cars, including recent Formula 1 cars. The car was driven and built by former British Rally Champion, Jonny Milner. M

The racing car is based on the sixth generation Celica. It is super-lightweight – 1 050kg. Furthermore, for better weight distribution, the driver’s position has moved back 30cm (12 inches) and the car’s centre of gravity has been lowered by raising the wheel arches and upper suspension mounts. A flat floor and rear diffuser add a degree of ground effect.

The engine is a 2.0 liter turbocharged from Corolla WRC – 700BHP at 5700RPM at 2bar boost and over 800BHP with nitrous oxide boost. Nice!

Super soft rallycross specification Michelin slick tyres also played an important role in getting all that horsepower to the ground.

Sprint Series Toyota Celica GT4 Technical Specs:

Engine type	Corolla WRC four-cylinder, 16-valve
Displacement (cc)	1,998
Turbocharger	Garrett GT35/42
Supercharger	Rotrex, belt-driven
Engine management	Motec
Compression ratio	9.7:1
Max. power (DIN hp @ rpm)	700 @ 5,700 at 2bar boost >800 with nitrous oxide boost
Fuel tank capacity (l)	15
Weight (kg)	1,050
Transmission	Mactrack 5-speed manual with Fensport triple-plate clutch
Suspension (front & rear)	Reiger Corolla WRC 3-way adjustable dampers,
Brakes	Front 343mm and rear 295mm Corolla WRC ventilated discs with Alcon callipers
Wheels	18in

Source: Toyota

July 5, 2011

BMW 6-Series F12 M-package

BMW has officially introduced the 6-Series Individual and 6-Series M-package. These packages will further underline the unique style of the new 6er and also will grant extra comfort and driving pleasure.

The Individual includes several exclusive paint finishes, unique alloy wheels and some interior touches like spoke wood trim and premium leather upholstery.

The M-package includes aerodynamic body kit consisting of new front bumper, new rear bumper and a pair of side skirts. The exterior also get LED fog lights as well as 19” alloy wheels. The package enhances the interior, too – revised trim, leather and Alcantara sports seats and an ///M multi-function steering wheel.

Other interesting moments are the introducing of the whole new 3.0 liter six-cylinder diesel with TwinPower Turbo technology. The power is awesome – 313PS (230 kW) and 630Nm (464 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds and the fuel consumption – 51.4mpg (5.5 liters per 100 km) and CO2 emissions of just 147g/km.

The 650i coupe and convertible will be offered with xDrive. These variant accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

BMW ConnectedDrive now has more functions – Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. This system also comprises Collision Warning with braking function, which automatically brakes the car for some 1.2 seconds, if required.

There will be also Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System with staggering 1200 watts of power from 16 speakers for the Coupe and 1 000 watts and 12 speakers in the BMW 6 Series Convertible.

6-Series Individual and 6-Series M-package will hit the market in autumn.

Source: BMW

July 5, 2011

2012 BMW 3-Series – Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages

BMW has introduced two new styling packages for the latest 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. Edition Exclusive and M Sport Edition packages will be both available this fall.

The M Sport Edition comes with black mirrors, a rear diffuser, a ///M sport suspension and 18” alloy wheels finished in Ferric Grey paint. The interior boasts Dakota leather sport seats, an M steering wheel, Aluminum Glacier trim and unique floor mats with blue stitches.

The Edition Exclusive package includes Oxide Silver mirrors and 18” Space Grey alloy wheels. Inside, there are Dakota leather seats, special floor mats and Bamboo Grain Anthracite wood trim.

The new packages give the 3er better value for money, more comfort and individuality. Still, you will be able to order additional extras to make your Bimmer unique.

Source: BMW

July 5, 2011

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