Automobiles Review – Page 1018 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2012 Hyundai Genesis Price – $34 200

Hyundai has priced the new 2012 Genesis for the US. The luxury saloon is tagged at $34 200 for the entry level powered by a 3.8 liter V6 with 338PS (248 kW) and 394Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis powered by the 4.6-liter V8 with 390PS and 439Nm (324 lb-ft) will carry a price tag of $44 500.

The top-of-range R-Spec with 5.0 liter V8 with whopping 435PS and 509Nm (376 lb-ft) will be priced at $46 500.

2012 Hyundai Genesis is extremely well equipped and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual capability, big brakes, and a retuned suspension with a larger rear stabilizer bar.
The R-Spec model also has a sport-tuned suspension, a recalibrated steering system, dark chrome exterior accents, and exclusive 19″ alloy wheels.

2012 Hyundai Genesis was introduced at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. It features some modifications like revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, aggressive side skirts, and brushed aluminum window trim. There are also new headlights, LED daytime running lights, and restyled taillights. It is a complete facelift ot the previous model.

The 5.0 R-Spec with the mighty V8 returns satisfying 17mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. The smaller 4.6 liter V8 has the same fuel consumption and the “tiny” 3.8 liter V6 returns up to 29mpg on the highway.

2012 Hyundai Genesis offers great luxury and comfort at decent price compared to the expensive BMW 7 series and Mercedes-Benz S class.

2012 Hyundai Genesis

Source: Hyundai

May 26, 2011

Aznom Abarth 500 – Drifting and Burnout

Aznom Fiat 500 Abarth features a mid-mounted 1.4 liter turbocharged engine with 230PS (169 kW) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The car is rear-wheel drive, which means awesome handling and extraordinary fun. The performance characteristics are great, too. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h.

Here is a video from Marchettino, where the R230 makes some donuts and drifts. Note that, it is extremely hard to control a RWD car with such small wheelbase and so much power. R230 is very nervous and unstable, especially, when it is driven to the limit.

The curb weight of the car is just 1050kg, but thanks to the position of the engine, the small car has a perfect balance and it will be a great to drive at the race track.
Last, but not least, the R230 also gets Tar-Ox brakes system, Bilstein B14 race suspensions, new Turbo and some more modifications.

Check out the video, below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGhL3pra9OQ

aznom-fiat-500

Source: Marchettino via Youtube

May 26, 2011

Vorsteiner BMW 5er F10

Vorsteiner are developing special aerodynamics package for the latest BMW 5-Series.

Vorsteiner F10 will be officially released later this summer, so we have to wait a while to see, what will be the modifications, besides the obvious from the pictures.

The styling package includes modified side skirts, a carbon fiber front lip spoiler, a trunk lip spoiler and a new rear diffuser, also from carbon fiber, which houses the dual exhaust system.

Last, but not least, there will be a roof wing spoiler, again from carbon fiber.

The tuning company didn’t release any further information about performance packages or any price lists.

Check out the pictures below and stay tuned for more information about Vorsteiner BMW 5-Series F10.

Vorsteiner BMW 5er F10

Source: Vorsteiner

May 26, 2011

2011 Lancia Ypsilon

Lancia has unveiled the new Ypsilon at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and now the manufacturer released full information about the 5-door hatchback. The car has a nice design with interesting grille, LED rearlights and hidden rear door handles. The dimensions are 384 cm long, 167 cm wide and 152 cm high, with a wheelbase of 239 cm. Although, it is not from the big ones in the segment, Ypsilon offers great comfort and enough interior room.

The interior boasts a center-mounted instrument cluster and metallic accents. There are also three trim levels – Silver, Gold and Platinum as the most expensive features leather upholstery, a premium audio system and Blue&Me-TomTom. The customization is practically unlimited.

The engine range includes a 1.2 liter EVO with 69PS (51 kW) and 102Nm (75 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is poor – 0 to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds and a top speed of 163 km/h (101 mph). However, the power unit is extremely efficient 62.8mpg (4.5 litres per 100 km) with just 115 g/km of CO2.

The second power unit is the 0.9 liter TwinAir two-cylinder, which powers Fiat 500. It develops 85PS (63 kW) and 145Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.9 seconds and the top speed is 176 mph (109 km/h). The average fuel consumption is 4.2 liters per 100 km (67.3mpg) and it goes sub 100 g/km of CO2 (99 g/km, exactly).

2011 Lancia Ypsilon

The third engine is a powerful 1.3 liter MultiJet II with 95PS (70 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and top speed of 183 km/h (114 mph). The fuel consumption is amazing 3.8 liters for 100 km (74.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

Afterwards also the 1.2 Fire EVO II Bi-fuel engine (petrol and LPG) will be available.

The safety is at very decent level: electronic stability control complete with ASR and Hill Holder, ABS with EBD, from 4 to 6 airbags (front, window-bags and side), in addition to the ISOFIX attachments.

Price list is not announced, yet. 2011 Lancia Ypsilon will hit the market in June.

Pricing information hasn’t been released, but the new Ypsilon will be launched in June. A Chrysler variant will follow in September for the United Kingdom.
2011 Lancia Ypsilon

Source: Lancia

May 26, 2011

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS Price – £12 890

Suzuki has announced the new Swift DDiS, which features the new 1.3 litre turbocharged diesel engine with extremely low emissions – 109 g/km of CO2 and returns staggering 67.3mpg. This means a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with a single tank of fuel.

The new 1.3 litre DdiS develops 75PS (55 kW) at 4000RPM and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque at just 1750RPM. The performance is satisfying – 0 to 100 km/h in 12.7 seconds, top speed is 103 mph (165 km/h).

2011 Suzuki Swift DdiS is priced at £12 890 for a 5-door SZ3 variant including seven airbags, air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels, USB port and heated electric door mirrors as standard equipment.

There is also a choice for petrol power unit – Dual VVT 1.2 litre, which starts at just £10 210 for the SZ2 Three door up to £13 525 for the SZ4 Five door with automatic transmission.

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS

2011 Suzuki Swift DDiS:

Engine type	D13A
Number of Cylinders	4
Number of valves	16
Cubic capacity	1,248
Maximum output PS (kW) / rpm	75(55) / 4,000
Maximum torque Nm (lbft)	190 (140) / 1,750
EU Emissions compliance	5
Transmission type	5 M/T
Tyre size	185/55/R16
Kerb weight with full options (kg)	1,125
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	1,560
Maximum towing weight – braked (kg)	900
Maximum towing weight – unbraked (kg)	400
Maximum speed (mph)	103
0-62mph (secs)	12.7
CO₂ Emissions (g/km)	109
Urban fuel consumption (l/100km)	55.4 (5.1)
Extra Urban (l/100km)	78.5 (3.6)
Combined (l/100km)	67.3 (4.2)

Source: Suzuki

May 26, 2011

2012 Kia Picanto Price – £7 995

2012 Kia Picanto will hit the market on 17 June. This is the second-generation of the model and it is set to prove better quality at decent price. 2012 Picanto offers extremely low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions as well as good performance. It is slightly larger than it predecessor and has more space and great comfort.

The engine range includes 1.0 and 1.25-litre petrol power units. The 1.25 litre is also available with an Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as well as an automatic gearbox.

The three-cylinder 1.0 litre develops 68BHP and 95Nm and returns amazing 67.3 mpg. The bigger 1.25 litre four-cylinder has 84BHP and 121Nm and averages 60.1mpg. It available with both 5-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDynamics version is with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

2012 Picanto vs previous model (standard five-speed manual)

	New	Previous	New	Previous
	1.0	1.0	1.25	1.1
0-60mph (sec)	13.9	15.8	11.0	14.6
Top speed (mph)	95	93	106	96
Combined mpg	67.3	58.8	60.1	58.8
CO₂ (g/km)	99	114	109	114

Standard specification includes body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, Radio/CD player, trip computer and an immobiliser. There are also a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column, six airbags, a 60:40 split folding rear seat.

2012 Kia Picanto 07

Picanto 1 Air adds air conditioning, and the fantastic value of the 1 specification, but without upgrading to the well specified mid-grade 2 version.

Picanto 2 offers Bluetooth connectivity, with voice recognition and full iPod control with USB & AUX ports – both of which can be operated by the steering wheel controls – and electrically operated, heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters. Air conditioning, rear electric windows, 14” alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, premium black upholstery and chrome exterior detailing complete the comprehensive spec package.

The top-of-the-range 3 spec adds automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a 6-speaker stereo system, 15” alloy wheels, body-coloured side skirts and automatic headlights with LED daytime running lights and unique LED rear lamps.

The safety is at very high level. 2012 Picanto electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to apportion stopping effort to the wheels with most traction, and emergency brake assist system (BAS). There are also 6 airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners and load limiters brace occupants against a crash impact while reducing the risk of chest injury.

As with all new Kias, a 7 year or 100 000 miles fully transferable warranty is standard on every new Picanto.

2012 Kia Picanto UK 5-door model range:

Powertrain	Trim	Power – bhp	Torque – lb/ft	CO₂	Combined mpg	Price
1.0-litre	1	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£7,995
1.0-litre	1 Air	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£8,595
1.0-litre	2	68 @ 6,200 rpm	70 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£9,595
1.25-litre ISG	2 EcoDynamics	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	100	65.7	£10,195
1.25-litre Auto	2	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	125	53.3	£10,795
1.25-litre	3	84 @ 6,000 rpm	89 @ 4,000 rpm	109	60.1	£11,195

2012 Kia Picanto

Source: Kia

May 25, 2011

Prior Design Mercedes E-Class Coupe C207

The latest E-Class Coupe (C207) from Mercedes Benz is simply beautiful car. However, Prior Design has made it even more exclusive.

The tuning company has installed specially developed aerodynamics package, which fit to all E-Klasse Coupe C207 models. It includes a new mofied front bumper, a pair of side skirts, a revised rear bumper with carbon fiber diffuser, which houses 4 tail pipes. There are also a rear trunk spoiler also made from carbon fiber and a roof spoiler.

All parts have TÜV certificate included. The mounting materials are also included in the package.

The price list for the parts is not announced, yet. Also nothing is mentioned about performance packages, but probably there will be some ECU re-maps, especially for the mighty diesels.

Prior Design Mercedes E-Class Coupe C207

Package includes:

– Prior-Design front bumper (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207 models)
– Prior-Design side skirts (2X) (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design rear bumper (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design rear trunk spoiler (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Prior-Design roof spoiler (fits all E-Klasse Coupe c207)
– Mounting material
– TÜV parts certificate included.

Source: Prior Design

May 25, 2011

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

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