Automobiles Review – Page 1017 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2011 Dodge Ram Runner Mopar

2011 Dodge Ram Runner Mopar is a specially modified vehicle, which is set to be the ultimate desert racer. Mopar performance division has introduced the Ram Runner off-road kit, which features some exclusive parts.

“At Mopar, our image vehicles showcase potential directions that we may take and the new Ram Runner kit is a good example,” commented Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

“We saw the reception that Ram Runner received last year and quickly moved to offer kits that will allow off-road enthusiasts to transform their stock Ram 1500 into a desert racer.”, he added.

The Mopar Ram Runner Kit includes Pre-Runner Stage II Lift Kit, off-road front bumper, off-road front and rear fenders, off-road rear-tire carrier, sport performance hood and cat-back exhaust. Furthermore, each part can be purchased separately.

The stance of the pick-up is lifted with 35.6cm (14 inches).

However, the full kit costs around $20 000, excluding taxes.

Mopar Ram Runner Mopar

Mopar-First Features

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:
•    Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
•    Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
•    Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
•    Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
•    2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
•    WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
•    Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
•    WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

Source: Dodge

May 30, 2011

MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

MEC Design has reveled a special tuning program for the beast – Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing.

The aerdonynamics package includes a new front bumper with choice of 1 or 2 piece Front Lip Spoiler and optional LED Lighting. Front lips are also available in carbon fiber. There is also a new rear bumper with three different Diffusor options – “Extreme” or “Formula” or “GT3”, which also can come in carbon fiber. At the sides, MEC Design offers a pear side skirts with optional 4 LEDs for each. At the rear, the tuning company installed a trunklid spoiler, 2 piece window spoiler and a roof airscoop. All these parts are also available in carbon fiber.

MEC Design fitted the SLS AMG with Stainless Steel Sports Rear Muffler, which also be used with the original AMG System with Adaptor pipes for the MEC Design 4-pipes end tips for use with the MEC Design Bodykit.

The tuner also offers Hydraulic Suspension with “LIFT-UP” System – height adjustment up to 30mm at the front / rear axle and, lowering up to 70mm possible.

The sports car stands on enormous 10.5J x 20” MEC Design Wheels mecxtreme3 fitted with 265/30 ZR20 tires and 11.5J x 21” rims with 295/25 ZR21 at the rear. Furthermore, 11Jx20” and 12.5Jx20” can be fitted.

The interior boasts Carbon/ Alcantara Sports Steering Wheel with shift paddles, Complete Carbon Trim – Middle Console, Door guards, Scuffplate/entry guard, compartment between the rear seats, seat cover, seat casing.

MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

Last, but not least – MEC Design Floor mats with double stitched Nubuck Leather edging and MEC Design Trunk finishing are available.

MEC Design Bodykit:

Front Bumper with choice of 1 or 2 piece Front Lip Spoiler/ optional LED Lighting (Front lips are also available in Carbon finish)
Rear Bumper with 3 different Diffusor options / “Extreme” or “Formula” or “GT3” (Diffusors are also available in Carbon finish)
Side skirts, optional with 4 LED’s per side
Rear Trunklid Spoiler (also available in Carbon finish)
2 Piece Window Spoiler (also available in Carbon finish)
Roof Airscoop (also available in Carbon finish)

MEC Design Mercedes SLS AMG

Source: MEC Design

May 30, 2011

Hot Wheels – world record jump of 101.2 meters

The world record for for distance jump at has been broken by Team Hot Wheels^TM Yellow Driver Tanner Foust, which successfully landed a ramp-to-ramp of total 332 feet (over 101 meters).

“Fans witnessed not only a record-breaking jump today, but also an incredible childhood fantasy come to life which engaged multiple generations,” commented Simon Waldron, vice president of marketing for Hot Wheels®.

“Hot Wheels has a deep and rich history in racing that spans over 40 years and there was no better global stage than the Indy 500 to create this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”, he added.

Everything started with a car on 10-story high ramp (100 feet), which flew across the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We can’t estimate the speed, but it is something around 200 km/h or more, so every mistake will be deadly. However, everything went smooth and the Indy 500 landed safely on the other ramp … The suspension took the hard hit and the driving maintained the control of the vehicle.

Enjoy the video!

p.s. The previous record was 91.75 meters.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SjX7A_FR6g

Hot Wheels Indy 500

Source: Hot Wheels via WCF

May 30, 2011

Vauxhall Insignia 1.4 Turbo Price – £18 680

Vauxhall Insignia is now available with the super efficient 1.4 Turbo petrol engine, which hgas a 10% improvement in CO₂ (115g versus 129g) over the outgoing model. This car is an addition to the ecoFLEX diesel model. The 1.4 Turbo petrol engine also offers low 15 per cent BIK for the 2011/12 tax year.

The new 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine develops 140PS and 200Nm, and returns 51.4 mpg.

2011 Insignia comes with 18” five spoke alloy wheels and some new SAT NAV system – Navi600 and Navi900. The Navi600 offers UK and Ireland mapping and main road networks across Europe, whilst the Navi900 features detailed European mapping.

The diesel range starts at £20 345 for the ES 2.0 CDTi 130PS ecoFLEX Start/Stop Hatchback and go up to £29 385 for the top-of-the-range SRi Nav Vx Line Red Sports Tourer 160PS ecoFLEX.

The new 1.4 Turbo has a price tag of £18 680 for the ES Hatchback up to £27 110 for the SRi Nav Vx Line Red Sports Tourer.

So, Vauxhall offers superb efficiency at decent price and, if you need a family saloon or touring car – the new Insignia may be the right choice. It also offers outstanding safety features and very good handling for those, who like sporty driving.

Last, but not least, you can always think about an ECU re-map after the warranty, because the turbocharged petrol will easily gain another 30-40PS without any difficulties.

2011 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

Source: Vauxhall

May 30, 2011

2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes has unveiled the new 2012 SLS AMG Roadster, which will have its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this year. The sports car will combine superb performance and wind in the hair. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

The roof is fully automatic and features a glass rear window, and can be folded or raised at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Furthermore, it doesn’t take any boot space, which is decent for such type of car – 173 liters.

“The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.”, commented Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

“Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation.”, Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH added.

2012 SLS AMG Roadster is powered by the famous 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with staggering 571PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which shifts in as little as 100 milliseconds. There are also four different driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) or “M” (Manual). As you may suggest, the acceleration is brutal – 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Despite the heavy weight – 1661 kg (3661 lbs), the car acts just super.

The interior matches the exterior – leather upholstery, mettalic accents and nice AMG sports seats with AIRSCARF. The options list includes a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an AMG Performance Media system.

2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Key functions:

Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
Real-time display of individual tire pressures
Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-60 mph (alternatively: quarter-mile)
Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function

SLS AMG Roadster stands on enormous 19” rims at the front fitted with 265/35 ZR19 ultra-performance tires and 20” rims at the rear wrapped in 295/30 ZR20. The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will hit the market in Fall 2011. Price list is not announced, yet.

SLS Roadster

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 30, 2011

CFC VW NEW Beetle

The foil specialist CFC from upper Bavarian Weilheim city created a nice version of the New Beetle to show car, according to the rules of the art.

CFC has focused on visible details of the car, starting with the front apron and the front wings and ending with the rear wings, including side sills and the rear car area. They has also applied sticker bombing, as well as velvet foil. Sticker bombing with its high quality digital printings and high quality cottonized polyamide fibers “velvet” has been provided for individual vehicle design.

The price of this pleasure is 2200 Euro for foil, including the mounting.

Furhtermnore, the new Beetle can be fitted with nice 8.5J x 19” oxygen rims in sparrow black full polish for only 339 Euros each. This kind of oxygen rim rings is available as self-colored or as matching the CFC foil color for 11.90 euros each.

The tires for the new rims are Kumho Ecsta SPT in 225/45 ZR19 for 159 Euro each. So, the whole set is 2039.60 Euro.

For an adjustable wheel spacer from SCC by 15 mm disk thickness in LK 5×100 (57.1 mm center hole / 66.5 mm center hole rim) for 167 Euro per axle.

Last, but not least, there is a stainless steel coilover version 1 from KW for 919 Euro with a stabilizers tuning kit for 179 Euro.

CFC VW NEW Beetle

Source: CFC

May 27, 2011

AHG Sports Infiniti FX 30dS

The AHG Sports tuner of Infiniti Centre in Hamburg has installed some modifications to the FX. They managed to create a spectacular appearance for the crossover, which was just impressive. Although FX is not a direct competitor to the big SUVs like BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, it is very close to them, because of the mighty engines and superb luxury.

However, the tuned FX 30dS by AHG Sports is even better. The crossover stands on enormous three-piece wheels from CC line of Schmidt Revolution from Bad Segeberg. The dimensions are 11J x 21” fitted with 295/40 ZR21 tires. The set is priced at 7900 EURO.

The suspension is upgraded by installing a new lowering spring kit, which removes 25mm from ride’s height. The set is priced at 1495 Euro.

Last, but not least, the diesel engine is boosted to the hefty 280HP (instead of the factory’s 238HP) and 600Nm of torque. The ECU re-map is priced at 1250 Euro.

AHG Sports Infiniti FX 30dS

Source: Infiniti

May 27, 2011

KW Variant 3 for Porsche Cayenne II

KW has developed a new coilover suspension – Variant 3, which will improve both comfort and handling for Porsche Cayenne II. The KW coilover suspension is factory-delivered with Cayenne II tuned damper characteristics.

Variant 3 have all settings that you need to adjust the stiffness and ride height. The lowering ranges from 35 to 70mm according to your taste.

Thanks to the production in stainless steel technology “inox-line”, the individual components of the KW coilover remain permanently flexible, even at a very sporty driving style or in winter conditions.

KW coilover suspension Version 3 is priced at 2699 Euro including VAT for all Porsche Cayenne Turbo II models except for the Turbo models. A complete pre-assembled chassis with pre-mounted struts, adjustable spring seats, mechanical stop, and dust protection system are part of the delivery program.

So, if you have Cayenne II and you are not pleased with your suspension, KW offers the perfect solution. It improves handling and comfort on both high and low speeds. The SUV starts to act like a proper sports car, instead of a big heavy truck.

KW Variant 3 Porsche Cayenne II

Source: KW

May 27, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat US Price – $19 995

The new 2012 Passat US is priced at just $19 995, which is more than $7000 less compared to the EU equivalent. This is the base price for the 2.5 liter petrol with 170PS.

The vehicle will be avialable in several levels and it will come with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls as standard. There is also the Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36 000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program.

The 2.5 liter S model has a price tag of $22 690 and comes with a 6-speed automatic gerabox, 16” alloys and a rear center armrest with storage.

Passat SE is priced at $23 725. This trim level adds 17” alloy wheels, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, touchscreen Premium VIII audio system and a multi-function steering wheel with leather upholstery.The sunroof and SAT NAV system will boost the price to $26 795.

The 2.5 litre SEL is priced at $29 895 and comes with Fender Premium Audio System, Homelink, interior chrome touches, wood grain interior décor, comfort seats and exterior chrome accents.

2012 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium will add leather upholstery, keyless entry and remote start, fog lights, driver seat memory and 8-way power passenger seat.

The 2.0 liter TDI variant will be available in just three trim levels and the price is a lot higher – $25 995 for the entry version and the SEL Premium comes at $32 195.

The new Volkswagen Passat is definitely a great value for money and it is highly competitive to its rivals, especially at this price. There is no doubt, that it will become a best-seller, not only in Europe, but in the US, too.

2011-Volkswagen-Passat-US

Source: Volkswagen US

May 27, 2011

Best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market

As you know what you driving is a result of serious R&D, drafts and arguments. For many reasons your car was(is) available in the showroom. However there are many examples of cars that did not manage to go further than the draft or clay. Here are the best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market.

Number 6

Toyota FT-HS Concept

This beauty was introduced in 2007 in North America. It was quite up to date with the current tendencies, so speed and power were not the only thing the car was focusing on. Safety and ecology have definitely been taken into consideration. That’s why the idea of the car is to have a hybrid powertrain. Despite this the car would still remain light and a great fun to drive. Being a fast RWD car it takes Toyota back to the golden years of the AE86 Corolla and would definitely be a total hit both for teenagers and grown-up boys that once dreamed of having AE86 Corolla.

Number 5

Nissan Intima

Nissan’s luxurious sedan concept was seen for the first time in 2007. Two things came into sight right away. First of all the rear doors were to be opened towards the back of the car instead of the conventional opening – parallel to the front door. Also the windshield would go all the way to the back of the roof creating incredible atmosphere for the passengers. Surprisingly for Nissan, the Intima is constructed to have an efficient, environmental friendly 6 cylinder diesel engine. Last but not least , the Intima is equipped with a 4-zone air conditioning system that would make sure all of the passengers feel comfortable.

Number 4

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

In the beginning of 2007 Honda showed this coupe in Detroit and this was for a reason – Accord is the best-selling Honda in USA. The accent when presenting the car was the fuel economy and safety features. In terms of design, the Accord coupe looks aggressive due to the long hood and the headlamps that go deep behind to reach almost the middle of the fenders. The four exhaust pipes in the back promise to also touch the heart of the driver giving out the 6 cylinder engine at the touch of the throttle.

Number 3

BMW Concept CS

This Gran Turismo masterpiece was first to be seen in Shanghai and it did look stunning. A 4-door coupe with sleek curves and very low profile. Definitely something Mercedes need to be careful with when developing the CSL. Looking at the car you almost feel Bangle’s shade in it. The return to the “shark shape” is obvious, magical and… I love it! Is this going to be the positioned above the 7^th series and benefit from the 6.0 V12.

Number 2

Mazda Nagare

This car definitely deserves its place here. It is undoubtedly something unique that cannot be seen every day. The name of the car means “Flow” and indeed even when standing still it looks like it’s moving. The “doors” are a flashback to the Mercedes Gull-wing – they open not sideways but from the roof and give an overview to the whole interior. The Recaro seats and the plane-like steering wheel finish the sporty feeling of the car. Despite the fact no details have been disclosed about engine or specifications, the Nagare is expected to use a rotary engine well known for it’s high revs and great response.

Number 1

Audi RSQ concept

This car has been designed and created especially for the movie “I robot”, where Will Smith would use it to fight some “evil machines”. Indeed, it shares a lot with the TT, but it is so much different at the same time. The door are hinging back to open up like the wings of a butterfly. It is also mid-engined which is great prerequisite for it to be a pleasure to drive. Now the sweetest part – as this was Audi’s vision for the future, it definitely needed something indeed futuristic, and there it was, the wheels are… spheres and as you can figure, the side panels are shaped accordingly to make the car more and more resemble a sculpture. The interior of the car is really close to a plane cockpit. The steering wheel, the instrument cluster, all this aluminium and a windshield to go over the driver’s head create intoxicating atmosphere once you sit in the bucket seat. How likely is this car to show on the streets? Not really huge it seems. However a lot of it could be used for the Audi TT.

May 27, 2011

Dacia Duster No Limit Rally Car

Dacia has officially unveiled the Duster No Limit Rally Car, which will compete at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The vehicle is developed specially for this race and features some very interesting components. It is an exceptional, extremely powerful car. Duster No Limit was constructed by Tork Engineering and Renault Sport Technologies.

Dacia Duster No Limit complies with the specific regulations of the American competition’s Unlimited class which sets no upper limit on the size or power output of the engine. There is also no minimum weight and any tyres can be used. Furthermore, the transmission system or aerodynamics have no limits, too.

So, first of all, Duster No Limit is powered by the brutal 3.8 liter bi-turbo V6 from Nissan GT-R. Of course, it is highly tuned – 862PS (634 kW) and mated to a 6-speed sequential Sadev transmission.

The aerodynamics package for Duster No Limit includes massive rear wing, brutal extensions and a large front lip spoiler. Everything is developed in the wind tunnel for maximum performance.

The car will be driven by Jean-Philippe Dayraut, a three-time winner of the Trophée Andros.

“The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the only event where you get to keep a monster like this in check while drifting at speeds of 200kph on a course which features a mix of asphalt and dirt,” commented Jean-Philippe Dayraut.

“I can’t think of any other form of motorsport where such cars are authorised.”, he finished

Dacia Duster No Limit Rally Car

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB:

Location: Colorado (USA)

Course length: 20km

Start altitude: 2,860 metres

Finish altitude: 4,300 metres

Surface type: half-asphalt/half-dirt

Course record (‘Unlimited’ class): 10m 1.42s

Record established by Japan’s Tajima Nobuhiro (Suzuki) in 2007

Source: Dacia

May 27, 2011

The evolution of BMW M3 series

The ultimate driving machine. This is how they call BMW M3 series. And it is for a reason. The MOTORSPORT division of BMW did their best to deliver the best possible experience from a BMW .

How it all began

In 1986 the first M3(1986-1992) was introduced. It was on the basis of E30 and had a 2,3 4 cylinder engine with 195 hp. The reason why the first M3 was actually produced was to homologate the car for the tourist car championship where it would compete with the Mercedes 190 EVO. Two more engines were used for the first M3. A 2 litre, 4 cylinder engine and also a 2,5 delivering the massive 250 hp, still naturally aspirated. The 2,0 version could be easily recognized, it lacked the curves of the wide arches. It seems like the M3 version does not have much in common with the regular e30. Besides the hood, roof panel, and sunroof it did not have much in common. These 4 cylinder engines were only reserved for the M3, and so was the firm suspension.

The 6 cylinders(E36)

Although nowadays 6 cylinders in a row is almost dead as conception, when the E36 M3 showed on the market, things seemed a little different. 1992 – the new M3 was introduced. With a 3 litre engine, 6 cylinders and output of 286hp. At first all M3s were based on coupe, but later the sedan and convertible models could also carry the M3 badge. Later in the production a more powerful engine was to be used – a 3,2 with 321hp . What is interesting, models sold in North America had 240 hp, regardless 3,0 or 3,2. Also, the 6 speed gearbox was never available in North America.

A special version – the M3 CSL is definitely worth mentioning. This model was sold with a trunk full of goodies to improve the performance of the car. Why they were not put directly into the car? Very simple, buying this version, the customer would sign a legal paper that they were aware installation of the latter would void the warranty of the car.

The production of E36 M3 seized in December 1999 with the convertibles being produced last.

The E46 M3

The next M3 came in October 2000. The engine is a 3,2 liter with code S54 – 343 hp available. What is new is the SMG II drivelogic transmission. It is basically the standard 6 speed manual but with electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal. The E46 also had a CSL version, which is a real sports car that one could drive home. This version is cut off in terms of all unnecessary gadgets you do not need for the track, it does not even come with AC, stereo or navigation system.

What’s on the market now?

Well, it is the E90/92/93. First introduced in 2007 it did have a thing or two to show. The new M3 was a totally different car compared to its predecessors. First of all it has two more cylinders. Despite the return of the turbo mania, the new M3 is naturally aspirated. To be more precise it is a 4,0 litre v8 engine with 420 hp available at 8300 rpm. The latest M3 comes with a 6 speed manual or the optional M-DKG transmission which reduces the 0-100 time with 2 tenths of a second. The E92 M3 also has a light weight carbon-fiber roof to reduce the weight and lower the centre of gravity. At first the new M3 was supposed to be called… M4, but BMW realized this might not be well perceived by the customers and people who liked the traditions created more than 20 years ago. Many people say that market researchers and accountants are more and more involved in the build of cars. It seems like this has had some impact on the ultimate driving machine. The convertible suffers from the heavy mechanics that take care of the roof and the result is 1880 kg curb weight – not a good prerequisite for agility and speed.

A special model is also available(A special M3, ironic right). It is called the GTS. The 4,0 litre engine has been further developed to become 4,4 and to provide 450hp. What is more, it weighs about 150 kg less than the regular M3 making it a true beast on the road… or track. The production of GTS started in May 2010. Today all 250 GTS M3s have been sold.

To be continued…

May 27, 2011

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