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  • Peugeot 2008 DKR – Technical Specs

    Peugeot 2008 DKR is going to compete in the world’s most tough motorsport challenge – 2015 Dakar Rally. A lot of obstacles await for the 2008 DKR – dunes, mountains, dry river beds, canyons, furnace-like temperatures, salt deserts, rough terrain, sand and many more. To tackle this tremendous challenge, Team Peugeot-Total has followed a very daring technical path.

    “Much like we did at the Le Mans 24 Hours by electing to run a closed-cockpit car, we decided to adopt an innovative concept,” explained Peugeot Sport Director Bruno Famin.

    “When it comes to cross-country rallying, the biggest question is whether to run with four-wheel-drive or just two. After a detailed study of the question, we decided to go for two-wheel drive transmission which presents a number of interesting benefits.”, he added.

    This bold decision will enable the team to try to become the first to win the Dakar with two-wheel drive and diesel engine.

    Peugeot 2008 DKR is powered by a V6 twin-turbo diesel mid-rear engine – 340HP (250 kW).

    “Fitting all of the vital assemblies into such a small space gave us quite a headache!”, admitted Technical project manager Jean-Christophe Pallier.

    “Small cars tend to perform more comfortably over twisty WRC-type stages, so this arrangement increases the potential of two-wheel drive cars in situations where the 4x4s tend to have the edge.”, he added.

    Beyond the conviction – expressed by Red Bull for the last two years – that two-wheel-drive vehicles possess attractive qualities that shine through even across the most inhospitable of terrains.

    Technical data – 2008 DKR:

    ENGINE
    Type
    Cubic capacity
    Number of valves
    Position
    Number of cylinders
    Maximum power
    Torque
    Maximum revs
    Top speed
    Lubricant
    V6 bi-turbo diesel
    2,993cc
    24
    Mid-rear
    V6 (‘vee’ angle = 60°)
    340hp
    800 Nm
    5,000rpm
    200kph
    TOTAL QUARTZ 10 W 50
    TRANSMISSION
    Type
    Gearbox
    Lubricant
    Two-wheel drive
    Longitudinally mounted six-speed manual sequential gearbox
    TOTAL 755 HPX 80 W 140
    CHASSIS
    Type
    Bodywork
    Tubular steel
    Carbon
    SUSPENSION / BRAKES / STEERING
    Suspension
    Springs
    Dampers
    Travel
    Anti-roll bars
    Steering and brakes
    Discs

    Rims
    Tyres

    Double wishbones
    Coil springs (two per wheel)
    Adjustable (two per wheel)
    460mm
    Front and rear
    Hydraulic power steering
    Hydraulic dual circuit, one-piece light alloy four-piston callipers
    Front and rear vented discs front and rear
    Front discs (diameter): 355mm
    Rear discs (diameter): 355mm
    Aluminium two-piece wheels (17 x 8.5)
    Michelin 37/12,5×17
    DIMENSIONS
    Length
    Width
    Height
    Front overhang
    Rear overhang
    Wheelbase
    Fuel tank capacity
    4,099mm
    2,033mm
    1,912mm
    641mm
    658mm
    2,800mm
    400 litres

    Source: Peugeot

  • Volkswagen Confirms Beetle Dune Goes Into Production [VIDEO]

    volkswagen-beetle-dune-concept-THUMBVolkswagen Beetle Dune is all about wind, dunes and sea. But this is not the main subject that we want to discuss but rather the video that Volkswgen has just released. As we have predicted earlier last week, the car is going to get a transformation of a concept into a production model. And the footage which you can watch below confirms that. In it you can see the only Dune in existence so far, but starting in 2016 we will see more of these on the road. There is also a statement that the Beetle Dune will also be available as a convertible.

    The concept version of the car was revealed in January at North American Auto Show. In the video below, you can see this Beetle rolling on the road in sunny Sylt, Germany. This model is based on the current production Beetle. It delivers 210 horsepower (155 kW) via its turbocharged petrol engine. The unit is matched with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

    The front-wheel driven Beetle has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard one. This allow 19-inch wheels fitment, which are then shod with large tyres. A rear-mounted ski-rack on the other hand can accommodate skis as well as sandboards. Inside, the customers will enjoy the 7.7-inch touchscreen positioned in the center console.

    httpv://youtu.be/GtEAnJ3s9wM

    Source: Volkswagen via YouTube

  • ZF Lenksysteme Steering Added To 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

    2015-Cadillac-ATS-Coupe-THUMB2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is getting premium electric power steering, which will refine the ride quality and will not sacrifice the handling. ZF Lenksysteme is a leading supplier of automotive steering systems. Exactly this company has teamed up with Cadillac to create the best dynamic handling and steering for all models of the new 2015 ATS. The electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist. This results in a communicative and responsive steering experience.

    The electronic power-assisted steering has been enhanced for the 2015 ATS via a revision in the programming within the electronic control unit. Precisely, the programming broadens the range of steering assist at low and high vehicle speeds. It does this by using wheel speed, steering angle and even the car’s chassis mode.

    The system designed by ZF Lenksysteme aims to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics. At the same time it also saves fuel since engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement.

    ZF Lenksysteme steering gear has excellent torsional stiffness and low operating friction, which improves the steering feel with great linear response, In addition, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs. This results in more immediate as well as connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

    Source: Cadillac

  • 2014 Volkswagen Golf Match Replaces The Golf SE

    2014-Volkswagen-Golf-Match-THUMB2014 Volkswagen Golf Match comes out of the box with even more equipment than the SE model it replaces. In fact, the SE was one of the most comprehensively well-specified vehicles in its class. Now Match will add even more to this for instance with the rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack. The latter comprises of an automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside. Furthermore, the standard wheels which the vehicle runs on are the new 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloys.

    All Golf Match models include seven airbags, ABS with ESC, XDS electronic differential lock, an automatic post-collision braking system and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats. Inside the car one can see the a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen which is part of the entry-level Composition Media system. The system also adds DAB digital radio, a CD player, MDI interface with 30-pin and Lightning connectors, Bluetooth telephone preparation and audio streaming and eight speakers.

    Also no cost options are the air conditioning, the Stop/Start system along with battery regeneration. In addition, the vehicle also boasts outstanding range of features, such as standard ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, a Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventive occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection, automatic wipers, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and dusk sensor.

    The GT model will add 17-inch alloy wheels as a standard and will feature lowered sports suspension, ‘Cherry Red’ rear light clusters and heat-insulating dark-tinted rear glass. The interior is adorned by gloss black dash and door inserts, Alcantara and cloth sports seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting and the Discover Navigation media and navigation system with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen.

    For the Match specification level optional are the high beam assist, park assist, DCC dynamic chassis control, a rear-view camera, Discover Pro navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

    2014 Volkswagen Golf Match is driven by 1.4-litre TSI 122 hp engine with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. It is capable of returning 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined. The next engine in the model range is the 1.6-litre TDI 105 hp, coupled with five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox. And the last one is the 2.0-litre TDI 150 hp with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. The new Golf Match is currently available on the market.

    Golf Match model line-up:

    Engine derivative Gearbox Body Combined mpg CO2 (g/km)
    1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-speed man 3-door 54.3 120
    1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-speed man 5-door 53.3 123
    1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 7-speed DSG 5-door 56.5 116
    1.6-litre TDI 105 PS 5-speed man 3-door 74.3 99
    1.6-litre TDI 105 PS 5-speed man 5-door 74.3 99
    1.6-litre TDI 105 PS 7-speed DSG 5-door 72.4 102
    2.0-litre TDI 150 PS 6-speed man 3-door 68.9 106
    2.0-litre TDI 150 PS 6-speed man 5-door 68.9 106
    2.0-litre TDI 150 PS 6-speed DSG 5-door 62.8 119

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Mazda To Reveal Fourth Generation MX-5 In September

    Mazda-MX-5-Fourth-Gen-Teaser-TUMBMazda makes plans to unveil the fourth generation MX-5 Roadster in September. The event of the premiere will take place in Barcelona, Spain, where media and fans will celebrate the iconic roadster and its 25th anniversary. After three generations and a quarter of century, Mazda is opening a new chapter on its legendary MX-5 roadster. Precisely, the initial unveiling will take place on 3-4 September. It will happen simultaneously to similar events in Japan and the U.S.

    In addition, on 6 of September, MX-5 enthusiasts will meet in Barcelona to view the next gen iconic sports car. Both occasions will happen under the banner: “Long live the Roadster”, and they both to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the MX-5.

    The first MX-5 appeared in 1989. Since then almost 945,000 units have been produced. Mazda says that the secret behind this success is the winning principle of pure driving fun based on a lightweight design and perfect front-rear weight balance. Another interesting fact is that the MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record as the bestselling two-seater sports car of all time.

    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the car, Mazda has produced an anniversary edition model, which debuted at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is driven by a 2.0-litre, 160 hp (118 kW) powerplant, which is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds and has a top speed of 136 mph. It also features special exterior and interior equipment in order to show its limited edition origin.

    Source: Mazda

  • 2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 – Highlights [video]

    Lamborghini has published an awesome video showing some of the technical highlights of the new impressive Huracan LP610-4. The successor of Lamborghini Gallardo comes with a number of modern technologies improving the handling, comfort and the overall impression of the sports car.

    The new Huracan benefits from a hybrid chassis manufactured from aluminum and carbon fiber. This guarantees exceptional durability and stifness, thus the road behavior is simply astonishing. Other special features include full LED headlights with double-Y daytime running lights; an advanced electromechanical power steering system; aluminum front and rear axles; standard carbon ceramic braking system and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels.

    2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 has a 5.2 liter V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The model also has an engine start/stop system which enables the car to average 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg US / 22.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 290 g/km. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

    There are three modes of operation (STRADA, SPORT and CORSA) defining the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJN5BxmclEo

    Source: Lamborghini

  • 2014 Hyundai i10 Sport – Price €13,990

    Hyundai is now offering a special edition i10 Sport designed especially for the customers in Germany. The small city car comes with some nice sport upgrades like big wheels and lowered suspension.

    The exterior of 2014 Hyundai i10 Sport boasts a set of 17” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires as well as new side skirts, LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and red and black race-inspired graphics from the front bumper to the rear window. The stance is further improved thanks to a new set of lowering springs (-20 mm).

    The interior boasts full music connectivity (iPod, Bluetooth, USB) and red sporting elements. Last, but not least are the partial leather seats.

    2014 Hyundai i10 Sport is powered by a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine – 87HP (64 kW) and 120Nm (88 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). Although the small city car is way behind normal sport cars, it is pretty nimble in normal conditions. It can average 4.9 liters / 100 km.

    The price for this toy is €13,990, which is a good value for money considering the additional extras and the nice look.

    Source: Hyundai

  • 2015 Audi R8 Limited Edition Performance Package

    Audi has announced Limited Performance package for the 2015 R8 supercar. The manufacturer didn’t release any further details, but the package will be the last upgrade for the current model. 2015 Audi R8 is expected to hit the US market this summer, but there is no word on when the package will be released.

    The 2015 Audi R8 offers new exterior paint color options and available painted red brake calipers, new Quilted Leather package in Silver, and a new diamond-stitched Alcantara headliner. The 2015 R8 V10 S-tronic model will have a new sport exhaust option. The R8 model line will also feature a new Limited Edition performance package that will be communicated at a later date.

    Model Year 2015 Suggested Retail Prices & Retail Release Dates:

    • R8 V8 Coupe Manual $115,900 Summer
    • R8 V8 Coupe S tronic $124,900 Summer
    • R8 V10 Coupe Manual $153,900 Summer
    • R8 V10 Coupe S tronic $162,900 Summer
    • R8 V10 plus Coupe Manual $173,500 Summer
    • R8 V10 plus Coupe S tronic $182,500 Summer
    • R8 V8 Spyder Manual $129,400 Summer
    • R8 V8 Spyder S tronic $138,400 Summer
    • R8 V10 Spyder Manual $166,100 Summer
    • R8 V10 Spyder S tronic $175,100 Summer

    Destination and delivery charge is not included in MSRPs listed. Destination and delivery charges for R8 model line is $1,250.

    Source: Audi

  • Vorsteiner BMW M4 Coupe

    Vorsteiner presents an impressive Austin Yellow BMW M4 Coupe featuring special edition forged VSE-003 alloy wheels. The set measures 10J x 20” at the front and 11J x 20” at the rear finished in a nice Gunmetal paint. The tires come from Michelin in size 275/30 ZR20 and 295/30 ZR20, respectively. Vorsteiner also offers adjusting wheel specifications around applicable tires and on personal taste and preferance.

    2014 BMW M4 Coupe has a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters (32.1 mpg UK) of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

    Some of the special features include an updated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. M carbon-ceramic brake system is available upon request.

    2015 BMW M4 Coupe is priced from $65,125 in the US, which is just $2,800 more than the previous version (E92 M3).

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • JMS BMW 4-Series Coupe

    JMS has unveiled their latest tuning program for BMW 4-Series including Coupe, Convertible and GranCoupe models. The tuning specialists have prepared styling upgrades giving to the stylish BMW models even more aggressive appearance. There are also some performance tweaks as well.

    The exterior boasts a new front lip spoiler and a set of 19” Tomason TN 12 alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. JMS fitted the 4-Series Coupe with an adjustable KW coilover suspension lowering the ride height by 55 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear.

    Performance upgrades list include a complete sports exhaust system, a speed pedal (optimizing throttle response) and an ECU re-map for all models across the range.

    No pricings and specific figures about power increasing are published, but all information is available upon request.

    2014 BMW 4-Series is available in a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. These include 420i – a 2.0 liter with 184HP (135kW); 428i – a 2.0 liter turbocharged with 245HP (180 kW) and a 435i – a 3.0 liter turbocharged with 306HP (225 kW). The diesel range includes 420d – 2.0 liter with 184HP (135 kW); 425d – a 2.0 liter with 218HP (160 kW), 430d – a 3.0 liter with 258HP (190 kW) and 435d – a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel with 313HP (230 kW).

    Source: JMS

  • 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed – Visitors Record 200,000

    2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed was the largest and most successful in the event’s history. It was held on June 26th to 29th and attracted over 200,000 highly-enthusiastic visitors to West Sussex.

    A lot of guest superstars from the world of motorsport were present, including John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastien Loeb, Didier Auriol, Richard Petty, Mark Webber, Giacomo Agostini, Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer.

    From the Michelin Supercar Run held against the clock and creating a popular winner in gamer-turned racer Jann Mardenborough and victory on the Forest Rally Stage presented by Skoda for Dani Sordo on the UK debut of the Hyundai i20 WRC, to adrenaline-fuelled action in the GAS Arena, the 2014 Festival of Speed had something for everybody to enjoy.

    Proving the status of the Moving Motor Show, the day attracted an all-time high 20 exhibitors: Audi, BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, GKN, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, SEAT, Skoda, Toyota and Volvo.

    “Once again the Festival of Speed has produced a thrilling spectacle on the Hillclimb and delighted hundreds of thousands of visitors who have brought their enthusiasm for motor sport to Goodwood. Our event theme was ‘Addicted to Winning’ and with reams guests that include seven Formula 1 world champions and some of the greatest drivers from NASCAR, rallying, sportscars and motorcycling, we’ve managed to gather more famous names from motor sport than ever before. And we were blessed with splendid weather all weekend too.”, commented Lord March, founder of Gooddwood Festival of Speed.

    Source: Goodwood

  • Jaguar Reveals F-Type Project 7 Details With Video

    Jaguar-F-TYPE-Project-7-THUMB2014 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 is a limited edition variant of the hugely popular F-Type sports car. It has already debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Furthermore, Jaguar has announced that the car will go into production run of 250 units. Project 7 is powered by 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. It produces 575 hp (423 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. Given that the car weighs only 1585 kg, the acceleration time it achieves from 0 to 100 km/h is of 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited at 186mph (300km/h).

    We have just found an interesting video which shows a little more about the Jaguar F-Type Project 7. Thanks to XCAR Films we can take a look at how this car celebrates the D-Type and uses it as an inspiration.

    In the video, Jaguar’s design director Ian Callum and the head of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle’s Operations team, talk about the F-Type Project 7. An interesting fact is that this car is the first Jaguar performance vehicle delivered by the SVO team.

    The car’s design and engineering was inspired by the three-time Le Mans winner – Jaguar D-Type. Unlike the concept model on which it is based it features an additional second seat. It also comes with two rollover hoops for both driver and passenger.

    httpv://youtu.be/pYuNTurZgcg

    Video Source: YouTube via XCAR