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  • Porsche 918 Spyder – 0-333 km/h [video]

    Christian Gebhardt from Sport Auto had tested the spectacular Porsche 918 Spyder. This particular car is equipped with the Weissach package, so it is even faster compared to the normal version.

    The 918 Spyder is not alone in its segment, but it has to compete with LaFerrari and McLaren P1. Still, the Porsche’s hyper-car is currently the fastest production vehicle on the Nordschleife with lap-time of 6 minutes and 57 seconds. McLaren P1 is aiming at 6 minutes and 35 seconds, but until an official lap, this is only a speculation.

    2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine and two electric motors with combined power of 887HP (652 kW) and 1,280Nm (944 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.2 seconds and 0-300 km/h in breathtaking 19.9 seconds.

    The Weissach package includes carbon fiber roof, rearview mirrors, windscreen frame and the rear wing. There are also ceramic wheel bearings, titanium chassis bolts and a super lightweight braking system. Last, but not least are the 20” and 21” forged magnesium wheels fitted with ultra-performance tires. The overall result is weight saving of 41 kg (90.3 lbs).

    The interior boasts 6-point seatbelt harnesses and additional Alcantara upholstery.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI-DUULV1tE

    2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package
    2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package
    2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package
    2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package
    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder
    2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

    Source: Porsche

  • AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 Based on BMW E92 335i – On Sale

    AC Schnitzer has put on sale a unique GP 3.10 based on BMW E92 335i. It is currently available through ebay.de with a bid of €25,100. The vehicle is registered back in 09/2006 and since then it covered just 27,000 km (16,780 miles). It is finished in a nice Mineral-Grün paint and features a number of styling and performance upgrades.

    The most important improvement is the replacing of the original 3.0 liter twin-turbo I6. The new “heart” is the mighty S85B50 – a 5.0 liter V10 from BMW M5 E60, which is boosted to 552HP (406 kW) at 8,000RPM and 540Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque at 6,200RPM. It is coupled to its original tranmission – a 7-speed SMG III gearbox. There is a new sports exhaust system with a sports rear silencer including centrally-placed tailpipe. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 13.9 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph).

    The brake system as well as the suspension are also improved. There are 8-piston fixed calipers at the front and rear with brake discs measuring – 374 x 36 mm. The suspension received special stabilizer bars and height-adjustable coilovers. A set of new wheels is installed – AC Schnitzer Lightweight forged alloy Type V – 9.0 J x 20” with 235/30 ZR20 tires and 10.0 J x 20” with 285/25 ZR20 tires, front/rear.

    The exterior boasts a new front bonnet with additional air outlet for better cooling of the big engine. There is also a new front apron, modified front and rear fenders, a pair of new side skirts, a roof wing and a trunk lid spoiler with special tear-off edge.

    The interior features bi-color leather and Nappa combination, racing seats, new aluminum pedals and black anodized handbrake and i-Drive controller, a set of floor mats with logo GP 3.10. Last, but not least is the three-spoke  sports steering wheel “Evo” wrapped in Nappa leather.

    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i
    AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 BMW E92 335i

    Source: AC Schnitzer

  • Cadillac Twin-Turbo – 3,000HP vs Chevrolet Corvette Twin-Turbo – 3,000HP [video]

    Urbanhillbilly has published an impressive video on Youtube showing a drag racing between two insane vehicles – Cadillac XLR Twin-Turbo with 3,000HP and Proline Chevrolet Corvette Twin-Turbo also with 3,000HP. The race is at 1/8 mile, instead of the usual ¼ mile and the results are still impressive.

    The Cadillac finished in 4.29 seconds with a trap speed of 188.25 mph (302.9 km/h), while the Corvette won with a time of 4.20 seconds and a trap speed of 185.54 mph (298.5 km/h).

    Although the cars are extremely fast, there is something else that caught our attention. The Cadillac comes not only with over 3,000HP, but with power windows as well. Usually, drag cars are completely stripped to save weight, but the Cadillac might be street legal with normal tires and some minor upgrades. The Corvette on the other hand doesn’t have windows at all and interior as well, so it has to be a lot lighter helping it to win.

    The Twin Turbo Cadillac XLR is driven by Scott Lowery, while the Proline Twin Turbo Chevrolet Corvette has Mark Woodruff behind the steering wheel. The spectacular battle is held on the famous Tulsa Raceway Park.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXpgsVoY5pc#t=82

    Source: Cadillac

  • Cadillac works on 2016 CTS-V model

    The Cadillac CTS-V has been around for nearly 10 years now. Launched back in 2004 as a high-performance version of the CTS sedan it targeted other fast cars such as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Coming at first with a powerful 5.7-liter LS6, V8 engine for 400 HP (294 kW) of power and 395 lb-ft (535 Nm) of torque, the Cadillac CTS-V was upgraded in 2006, receiving a 6.0-liter LS2 engine with the same power but a better torque range. More changes were applied in 2008 with the second generation Cadillac CTS-V. This time the car had a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produced 556 HP (409 kW) of power and 551 lb-ft (747 Nm) of torque.

    Now Cadillac CTS-V fans will get to see and experience the third generation of this muscle vehicle. The new car is based on the brand-new CTS sedan and has a redesigned exterior and a larger interior, while at the same time bringing more power, newer technologies and less weight.

    The new Cadillac CTS-V comes with one important change so we chose to start with it. The new generation will be an attempt by Cadillac to better differentiate its high-performance models from standard ones and the CTS line will be the first one to benefit from this change. The first change is that the grille of the car no longer resembles the one of a standard 2014 CTS. The new one is both wider and shorter and comes with an entirely new design. The bumper is also different and larger intakes replace the more stylish cutouts in the regular CTS. In addition the vehicle is expected to be even more aerodynamic and there will be air vents on the hood that suggest there’s a force-fed V8 engine inside the car.

    As to engines there’s little information but we do know that the new 2015 Cadillac CTS-V line will come with at least one V8 gasoline engine that will produce around 600 HP (441 kW) and 580 lb-ft (786 Nm) of torque.

    Just like before the main targets of the Cadillac CTS-V will be the 2014 BMW M5 and the current Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Both cars are slightly more powerful than the Cadillac CTS-V but sell for around USD 90 000 and more, which is a disadvantage when compared to the 2015 Cadillac CTS-V – a car that is expected to sell for around USD 70 000.

    (picture courtesy of TopSpeed)

    Source: Topspeed

  • 2015 Jaguar XE coming out in September

    The 2015 Jaguar XE has been in the news for quite some time but until now no official release date has been mentioned. Well, we now know that the new vehicle will debut on September 8 this year.

    In addition to the official release date Jaguar has treated fans and media-related people with some more details on the new car. The 2015 Jaguar XE will come out with an “aluminum-intensive architecture” that sports integral link rear suspension forged or hollow-cast from aluminum too. The construction is said to deliver “sharp response and handling while retaining a refined, luxurious ride”. The front suspension is a bit different though – it is based on the Jaguar F-Type with a double wishbone setup and XFR levels of stiffness thanks to changes in a few components. Jaguar again promises “agility and connected steering wheel” thanks to the integrated latest generation of electric power steering – a first for the company. The car will also come with “all surface progress control” that improves the Jaguar XE handling in difficult and slippery conditions.

    As to engines the new Jaguar XE will offer a shiny new family of lightweight and turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. The so-called “Ingenium” line of engines that will be included in the new vehicle are some 80 kilograms lighter than the previous JLR units and will also include a 2.0-liter diesel engine. In addition the engines that will be used in the new XE line are built around 500cc cylinders, which means that Jaguar is likely to offer a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine as well as some more powerful 3.0-liter straight-six units.

    There’s no word on the pricing of the new 2015 Jaguar XE but like we said the car will come out in less than two months time so we will have more information on the price by then for sure.

    Source: Topgear

  • Mercedes-Benz works on new Pullman limousine

    2015-Mercedes-Benz-Pullman-651

    The German automaker Mercedes-Benz will debut the Pullman version of the current S-class in early 2015, online sources say. The new ultra luxurious vehicle will be created and built by tuner Brabus and will feature four doors and six seats.

    The new Pullman model will be based on the 2014 W222 S-class platform and will come with 2+2+2 seating with a middle row of rear-facing seats. The limousine will come in two versions – standard and armored – and will be positioned above the S600 Maybach and the S65 AMG Maybach.

    The upcoming new Mercedes-Benz car is likely to be offered in 4Matic versions only and is expected to be powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 gasoline engine, found in the S600. This unit is capable of delivering 523 HP (385 kW) and 612 lb-ft (830 Nm) of torque. Of course this power will not be the same for the armored version of the Pullman, which will also come with tweaked suspension to accommodate the changes. The Pullman will be a large car – its wheelbase will be about 45 inches (1.15 meters) longer than that of the standard long-wheelbase version of the S-class, while the roof will be about 2.3 inches (5.8 centimeters) higher than in older versions of the Pullman. The car is expected to be 251 inches (6.37 meters) long and the body is said to feature standard rear doors and a reworked C-pillar section that will also debut on the S600 Maybach.

    Being Pullman the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle will offer exclusive interiors. Designed and developed by Brabus, the interior of the new Pullman will include a powered electrochromatic transparent partition between the driver and the passenger compartment, as well as a large flat-panel screen that will rise out of the same partition housing. Both rows of rear-passenger seats will offer folding tables and other amenities stowed in the extensive consoles.

    2015-Mercedes-Benz-Pullman-651-2

    The armored version of the new Pullman is perhaps the more interesting vehicle. It will come with one of the highest levels of ballistic protection available for passenger cars, namely B6/B7, which means it will be able to withstand 7.62 mm NATO rounds as well as provide some protection against grenades and IEDs (improved explosive devices). The protection package also includes runflat tires, a separate oxygen supply against attacks with poison gases, automatic fire extinguishers for the underside of the car, communications equipment and LED strobes as well as siren and PA systems.

    Unfortunately for most people Pullman means high quality, luxury and high price and the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle will be no different. The standard version will sell for around USD 500 000, while the armored Pullman vehicle will start at about USD 1 million. Both versions are expected in early 2015 and will be offered for ordering in H1 2015.

    (pictures courtesy of Autoweek)

    Source: Autoweek

  • BMW to Replace Passenger-Side Front Airbags on All E46 Models

    BMW is going to replace the passenger airbags on 1.6 million 3-Series E46 vehicles produced between 05/1999 and 08/2006. The manufacturer reports that there are issues with gas generators that may rupture in vehicles produced the competitors using similar systems from the same supplier. Still, BMW is not aware of a case involving their vehicle.

    The replacement campaign is a voluntary precautionary measure that aims at minimising the risk of faulty airbag activation, which may cause injuries. This is a voluntary extension of last year’s recall campaign, which included a recall of 240 000 3-Series vehicles (E46). The supplier has now extended the production period.

    In order to ensure maximum safety of customers, the German manufacturer has decided to replace the passenger airbags in the vehicles from the suggested production period, and additionally, as a voluntary precautionary measure, the passenger airbags in all E46 models.

    The customers affected will be informed by BMW. The rectification of the problem will take about 1 hour and will be done for free.

    So, if you have a 3-Series E46 (all models including the M3 versions), make an appointment at your local BMW dealer to solve an eventual problem.

    2009 BMW M3 E92
    2009 BMW M3 E92
    2009 BMW M3 E92

    Source: BMW

  • 2014 Skoda Octavia – Price

    New-SKODA-Octavia-Scout-tNew-SKODA-Octavia-Scout-651

    Skoda has announced the price of the new 2014 Octavia Scout, which was presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, this March.

    Priced from £25,315 ($42,233), the 2014 Skoda Octavia Scout comes with an off-road look and an all-wheel-drive system.  The new wagon model is also offering more room for the passengers and their luggage and more safety and comfort.

    The new Octavia Scout is provided with  a fifth-generation Haldex transmission to shuffle torque respectively and to combat loss of traction during driving. Thanks to the newly AWD, based on the Haldex clutch, the wagon comes with 25% better traction and more climbing power with advanced 4×4 technology.

    In fact the 2014 Scoda Octavia Scout is based on the Combi version of the model. It features more rugged-looking black bumpers, and silver-colored off-road accessories. The front bumper features a broad air intake and fog lights. The side skirts and wheel arches are covered in protective black panels. In comparison to the Combi version, the new Octavia Scout has 33 mm higher ground clearance, 17’’  Proteus light-alloy wheels , spoiler and diffuser on the rear bumper, molded wheel arch extensions and side protection strips.

    There are two engines in the range : a 2.0TDI with a six-speed manual gearbox and power of 150PS (110 kW), and a 2.0TDI with power of 184PS (135 kW) and a six-speed automatic DSG gearbox as a standard.

    Comfortable, feature-packed interior of the new Scout model boasts Alcantara interior, which combines style and comfort. At the same time, the interior reveals a different side of this vehicle. Four-spoke steering wheel and gearstick with 4×4 emblem are also part of the Leather trim interior.

    As options are available a number of electronic comfort systems : Light Assistant and Park Assist. The Scout can also be delivered with a new rear-view parking camera.

    Furthermore, in addition to its off-road ability, the new Octavia Scout offers all the acclaimed safety and comfort features of the standard model. All models are available with up to nine airbags and Crew Protection Assistant for vehicle safety in crash situations and Driver fatigue sensor.

    This off-road Scout is expected on the market in August 2014.

    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout
    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout
    2014 Skoda Octavia Scout

    Source : Skoda

  • BMW 650i Gran Coupe Enhanced By SR Auto Group

    BMW-650i-Gran-Coupe-By-SR-Auto-Group-THUMBBMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group includes some new tweaks which makes it even more desirable. The tuners have added a package which comprises of new wheels and lowering springs, thus giving this BMW more potent and masculine appearance. No changes to the powertrain were made, however the 650i Gran Coupe’s V8 unit barely needs one. The reason for this is that it generates the breath-taking 450 horsepower (330 kW) and maximum torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) available between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. The engine also comes with TwinPower Turbo technology with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing.

    BMW 650i Gran Coupe accelerates effortlessly from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 4.6 seconds. Those impressive numbers however do not contribute towards high fuel consumption. On the contrary, car’s the average fuel consumption is rated as low as 8.6 ltres per 100 kilometres (32.1 – 32.9 mpg) and has CO2 emissions at 199 grams per kilometer. The potent powerplant is coupled with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission. In addition, it works together with an Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

    The work of the specialists at SR Auto Group began with the installation of H&R lowering springs. They eliminate the factory wheel gap and contribute to a sport height drop and maintain the overall ride quality.

    When the car was lowered, the transformation process continued with the installation of a set of Brilliant Silver PUR RS08′s in a twenty-one inch fitment. Precisely at the front the dimensions of the wheels measure 21×9 inches, while at the rear – 21×10.5 inches. All in all, the newly designed wheels provide one-of-a-kind touch to the Gran Coupe with a modern twist.

    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group
    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group
    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group
    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group
    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group
    BMW 650i Gran Coupe By SR Auto Group

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • Toyota Prius Plug-in Sets Nürburgring Record For Fuel Economy [VIDEO]

    Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has set a different kind of record on the Nürburgring race track. So far the achievements on the track were all about miles per hour, not miles per gallon. Toyota has just turned this tradition on its head when it took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the famous track. It showed not only how fast the car goes, but also how little fuel it utilizes on a single lap. Behind the wheel of the car was the motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford. He drove an upgraded Prius with the addition of TRD parts. They are styling rather than performance elements which enhance car’s visual stance.

    In dry conditions he managed to achieve 698 mpg, and completed his lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds. This figure is exceptional, because it outstrips car’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg. If we can measure the used fuel for this sprint in table spoons, than it would be just less than five.

    This record was made possible due to the utilization of the technology that is development of Toyota’s full hybrid system. It matches a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery’s performance and outstanding energy density offer the opportunity to drive the car further and at higher speeds on electric power alone.

    Prius Plug-in’s achievement is another addition to Toyota’s history of success at Nürburgring. Moreover, the latest test affects directly to what customers might experience with their own Prius. The story of the challenge can be viewed in the video below:

    httpv://youtu.be/c3_G5a54USI

    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD
    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD
    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD
    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD
    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD
    Toyota Prius Plug-in TRD

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Toyota

  • 2015 Toyota Sienna To Debut Tomorrow [TEASER]

    2015-Toyota-Sienna-THUMB2015 Toyota Sienna is set to make a premiere tomorrow. The news was announced at company’s official Facebook page with the announcement that the Sienna is about to take us to “an unexpected journey”. The last third generation of the car was introduced to the market nearly five years ago and Toyota has obviously made the steps to enter the fourth-gen of the popular family minivan. Except for the released teaser image there was no additional information disclosed. So we have to wait to see what Toyota has prepared and whether there will be only minor cosmetic changes or a substantial transformation of the car.

    Rumors say that the car will be powered by the 3.5-liter V6 unit. There output will be probably enhanced and thus will deliver up to 268 horsepower (197 kW) and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque. And staying true to Toyota’s eco philosophy, the car is expected to be not only the most fuel efficient minivan on the market, but also the one with the lest CO2 emissions.

    It is also said that the new Sienna will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8 seconds. The powertrain will be probably coupled with a six speed automatic transmission. There are also rumors that one of the engines in the range will be a hybrid one.

    What is also to expect is a brand new design, since there hasn’t been a new generation of the Sienna model for five years. Modifications will be probably implemented to both exterior and interior and we also envision that it will have some changes to both front and rear bumpers, and will also include luxurious equipment.

    2015 Sienna will be built upon Camry’s platform and is expected to be available at dealerships later this year.

    Source: Toyota via Facebook

  • 2015 Ford Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

    Ford US is going to exhibit a unique 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II at the 2014 EAA AirVenture event. The manufacturer has created a nice tradition to prepare special aviation-themed models to showcase at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

    Besides the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II theme, the specially-prepared car comes with a new front splitter from carbon fiber, a new rear diffuser and special decals. The interior boasts Recaro bucket seats as well as yellow tinted windows and other nice upgrades.

    The 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II will be auctioned at the Gathering of Eagles charity event at EAA AirVenture. The money will be donated to the EAA Young Eagles program. This is a non-profit organization, which provides free flights and since 1992 almost two million people participated in the program. It helps the normal people to achieve their dreams of flying on a fighter jet.

    No words about the engine, but it will be probably the powerful 5.0 liter V8 – 426HP (313 kW) at 6,500RPM and 529Nm (390 lb-ft) at 4,250RPM. The one-off model will be fitted with a 3.55 Limited Slip Differential, GT Performance Package and Reverse Park Assist.