Automobiles Review – Page 536 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Ferrari F12 TRS – Officially Unveiled

Ferrari has officially unveiled the one-off F12 Berlinetta TRS. The open-top supercar is created through the company’s Special Projects division. Like all one-off Ferraris, the F12 TRS is the product of Ferrari’s now-classic approach of creating a truly integrated design. It thus has the same exceptional performance figures as the F12 Berlinetta.

The TRS model comes with an aggressive body kit and a minimalistic appearance for the interior. It features a lot less buttons and knobs as well as the controls for the audio system. The glove compartment, mats and holders have all been removed. Still, the interior comes with a nice combination of Alcantara, leather and black matte carbon fiber.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta TRS is powered by the well-known 6.3 liter 65° naturally aspirated V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). The curb weight is a bit less than 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs). We are a bit disappointed to find out that the TRS doesn’t have a KERS system.

Although inspired by the traditional Rosso Corsa, the new bodywork colour was developed using multi-layer and micalised paint technologies.

Ferrari didn’t unveil an official price tag, but a rumor says that the customer paid close to $4.2 million for the one-off F12 Berlinetta TRS.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOT3L6U9fV4

Source: Ferrari

June 23, 2014

Carlsson 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Carlsson has presented their latest project based on the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205. The premium saloon comes with a number of nice styling upgrades and a wide array of performance packages are currently in development.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package comprising of a new front bumper with side air intakes and a spoiler lip (optionally available from carbon fiber). There is also a new front grille featuring a single chrome horizontal bar with Carlsson’s logo and is also available with an electro-polished stainless steel mesh. The same is available for the lower intakes as well.

At the rear, there is a new boot lid spoiler and new chrome tailpipes built into the modified rear diffuser. The tuning specialists fitted the W205 with a pair of wider side skirts. The stance is improved by a lowered suspension ( -30 mm) and wheels measuring between 18” and 20” fitted with low-profile tires. The sets are offered in different finishes including titanium, graphite or diamond.

The interior features a set of branded velour floor mats, wood and carbon fiber elements, illuminated door sill scuff plates, alloy pedals and different types of premium leather upholstery.

More hard-core drivers, especially those who might do trackdays, will appreciate the ride height, bounce and rebound adjustability offered by the more sophisticated coil-over suspension kit currently under development.

Stay tuned for further details about performance upgrades and pricing!

Source: Carlsson

June 23, 2014

2014 Seat Leon X-Perience – A Rugged Experience

Seat has presented a rugged version of the Leon ST named X-Perience. It comes with a number of upgrades and will be exhibited in October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The first deliveries are expected shortly after that.

2014 Seat Leon X-Perience boasts an increased ride height (by 15 mm) and some plastic body cladding giving the model a more more rugged appearance. There are also new front and rear aluminum underbody protection elements. The black anodized roof rails and set of 17” or 18” unique alloy wheels additionally improve the presence of the Leon X-Perience. Last, but not least are the bigger door sills.

The interior features brown leather and Alcantara upholstery with orange stitching. The normal models will get a fabric finish. There are also several special badges and a large 587 liter luggage compartment, which can be expanded to 1470 liters with rear seats folded down.

The engine range includes a 1.8 liter TSI – 180HP (132 kW) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.6 liter TDI – 110HP (81 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque and a 2.0 TDI with 150HP (110 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) or 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. The engines are available with 6-speed manual or an optional DSG automatic transmission.

Source: Seat

June 23, 2014

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Polo and FF Dressage Editions

Ferrari has presented two new special editions of the F12 Berlinetta – Polo and FF Dressage. Both are prepared to celebrate the opening of Ferrari’s first Tailor-Made Center in the Asia Pacific region. The brand-new centre is located on West Beijing Road, one of the most prosperous areas in Shanghai, with world-class facilities and provide the best services to create bespoke Ferraris through unique combinations of the many options available.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Polo comes with a Bianco Italia Opaco paint finish with navy blue racing stripes on the bonnet, demonstrating the authentic Ferrari’s racing DNA in typical Italian style. The interior also boasts racing lines on the high-quality leather upholstery. Carbon fibre elements are well interpreted for the sports sense of this F12 Berlinetta.

The FF Dressage special edition is finished in a nice Black Piano Nero paint and has a bespoke interior with saddle brown leather upholstery and “Year of the Horse” logos on the steering wheel and center console. The grid-pattern sewing style in the front seats makes it more comfortable and composing during the ride, which is essential for a versatile 4RM GT car.

“Each Ferrari is unique. Ferrari’s customization tradition began in 1950’s when the brand just started.” commented Mr. Edwin Fenech, President and CEO of Ferrari Greater China

“The Greater China is the second largest market for Ferrari, the Tailor-Made service will provide top-class services to our exclusive customers with unique luxurious experiences, perfectly meet the growing demands of more creative personalization among Chinese customers.”, he finished.

Source: Ferrari

June 23, 2014

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate AMG Line

After the unveiling of the all-new C-Class Estate last week, Mercedes-Benz has now introduced the AMG Line package for it. The package is already available for the sedan model and for the Estate, it comes with some additional upgrades.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate AMG Line includes a new logo on the grille flanked by iridium silver matte bars. There is also a new AMG front apron with chrome accents featuring a wire mesh pattern on the air inlets. There are also bigger side skirts and a new rear apron with a modified diffuser. The petrol models will get a stainless steel exhaust pipes and the diesels will be fitted with a chrome look.

Other highlights include a set of five-spoke 18” titanium gray alloy wheels fitted with proper tires, aluminum roof rails, perforated front brake discs for better stopping power and additional cooling. For improved stance, there is a lowered sports suspension dropping the ride height by 15 mm.

AMG Line Package also features front brake calipers with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering, aluminum window surrounds and a new sports multifunctioning steering wheel.

No words about pricing, but the AMG Line package will be available across all engine range (except the upcoming C63 AMG).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 23, 2014

Hyundai Launches Tucson Walking Dead Special Edition

2014 Hyundai Tucson Walking Dead Special Edition can be currently ordered from brand’s dealerships in the United States. The limited-production special edition has all the exclusive elements typical for the series such as the unique graphics package, badging, floor and cargo mats, and even a backpack-style zombie survival kit. In other words, the car is the perfect mean to survive the ever-impending zombie apocalypse.

The car was revealed in November last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It was created to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Walking Dead graphic novel series. This limited series Tucson includes an Ash Black exterior with a subtle red accent graphics package and Special Edition exterior and interior badges.

There are also roof rack cross rails which are handy in hauling necessary survival gear. The vehicle will be offered only in AWD. Inside, the interior is wrapped in black leather, and within it passengers will find a custom Zombie Survival Kit.

Walking Dead Special Edition Tucson is powered by 2.4-liter Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine which produces 182 hp (135 kW) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. Furthermore, the vehicle offers great features such as LED taillights, dual automatic temperature control and a premium audio system with HD Radio technology. Additionally, Tucson’s third-generation navigation system includes a larger seven-inch touchscreen. It is also equipped with Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system as a standard.

Source: Hyundai

June 23, 2014

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC Delivers 544 Horsepower

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC is an eye-catching addition to the Global Rallycross series and more importantly it delivers the astonishing 544 horsepower. The car was revealed by Volkswagen’s Andretti Rallycross team and it will race later this year at the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship. It will be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed. In fact, the team enters the third round of the season, and has already achieved two victories for Scott Speed driving the No. 7 7UP Volkswagen Polo.

To be more precise, this Beetle is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, which makes the 544 horsepower (440 kW). This means that this Volkswagen will be very competitive. The Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle with the No. 34, boasts a unique appearance and includes state-of-the-art technology.

This rallycross car is a pure expression of the third-generation Beetle. It is designed and engineered from the outset as a GRC car and includes a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed-ratio all-wheel-drive system. The latter features multiplate limited-slip differentials both at the front and rear.

This Beetle utilizes all-around strut-type suspension, with ZF dampers and needs 9.1 inches of travel to cope with the rigors of the off-road portion. It also comes equipped with 14.0-inch diameter front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, four-piston aluminum calipers, and runs on 17-inch wheels shod with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires.

An outsize rear wing, widebody fenders, and aggressive front fascia is what defines the No. 34. The rallycross car has an overall length of 168.8 inches, and a width of 71.7 inches. It weighs 2668 pounds which mean that it perfectly complies with the series regulations. This combination of reduced weight, high horsepower, and all-wheel-drive traction, promises that we will see the Beetle GRC sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in an incredibly quick 2.1 seconds. Or just, this is what Volkswagen promises.

Source: Volkswagen

June 23, 2014

New Volvo V60 Polestar To Be Presented At Goodwood [VIDEO]

Brand New Volvo V60 Polestar is going to be officially premiered at the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. As we already know, the event will happen between 26th and 29th of June. If we compare it a motorsport garden party, then the festival will definitely be the largest in the world. The unique summer weekend will bring together an impossibly mix of cars, stars and motor sport royalty. Among them will be the new Volvo V60 Polestar, which is going to perform a number of hill runs during the festival and it will also be available at the exhibition area.

What is specific about this car is that it includes a thoroughly developed chassis with high performance dampers and brakes. These come in combination with four-wheel drive and 350 hp (257 kW) which come from the turbo charged 6-cylinder engine.

Developed from 17 years of motorsport experience, the new V60 Polestar, makes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The development of the car has been ongoing over the past years, picking up from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar. Thousands of development kilometres have been driven on mountain roads, o test tracks from the south of Europe to the frozen north of Sweden.

The countries set to receive the S60 and V60 Polestar include Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA. British racing driver Anthony Reid, who was a tough competitor for Volvo in the BTCC during the nineties, tested the Volvo at the Goodwood circuit earlier. You can see what he says about his experience in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/zs2NrKvqnDQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

June 23, 2014

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition To Be Shown At Goodwood

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition is going to make a dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed next to its stportier sibling – the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype. There will be available test drives up the Goodwood Hill during the Moving Motorshow and in addition the new Q50, Q70, QX70 and Q60 convertible will be on display. Precisely, the test drives will happen a day before the start of the show – this Friday on 27th of June. Even the brand new Infiniti Q50, in both hybrid and diesel forms, will be available for drives and will run throughout the day.

Another exciting car, which will be on display as well as available for test drives, is Sebastian Vettel-inspired SUV in the form of the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition. With the start of the Festival the SUV next to the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype will make their debut. The latter has the capacity of producing 568 hp due to its powerful V6 twin-turbo engine.

At the helm on Saturday will be Christian Horner from Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team and at other times it will be handed over to Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s Test and Reserve Driver Sébastien Buemi. Both drivers will also be available on the Infiniti hospitality stand for a question and answer session regarding the Formula One season.

Furthermore, in the Goodwood House Infiniti will be displaying the majority of the brands premium model line up. For instance, the new mid-sized Q50 saloon will be there sitting alongside its larger version known as the Q70. The QX70 will provide more distinctive look for an SUV, while the Q60 Convertible – more open air feel.

And if you happen to be in the vicinity of Goodwood festival and want to go for a test drive, the booking should happen on Thursday, 26th June, at Infiniti booth at the Moving Motorshow.

Source: Infiniti

June 23, 2014

2015 Audi A3 Sedan and Cabriolet – US Pricing

Audi US has announced the pricing of the all-new 2015 S3 performance Sedan, A3 Cabriolet and A3 TDI clean diesel Sedan. The models join the range of A3, which went on sale in April. The three new A3 variants all go on sale in the U.S. late summer of this year. The price tags are $32,600 for the A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI S-tronic; : $41,100 for the S3 Sedan 2.0T S-tronic; $35,600 for the A3 Cabriolet 1.8T S-Tronic and $38,600 for the A3 Cabriolet 2.0T S-tronic.

2015 Audi A3 comes with a number of innovative technologies. There are also premium standard features such as leather seating surfaces, power panoramic roof, Bluetooth technology with audio streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD radio, power driver’s seat, split folding rear seatback and Audi pre sense basic. The A3 line-up will also come equipped standard with the Audi signature Singleframe grille, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.

There are also MMI, 4G LTE connectivity, full LED headlights and a Bang & Olufsen audio system, Audi drive select allowing the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual.

2015 Audi S3 Sedan boasts a powerful 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 300 HP (221 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Some of the highlights include a singleframe grille with aluminum-look, double horizontal bars and a chrome frame outline. Aluminum-look double ribs and honeycomb inserts fill the air inlets in the bumper and optional LED headlights add to an unmistakable look. The S3 will also come with a S3 specific sport suspension and unique S3 specific 18” wheels and optional S3 specific 19” wheels.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amvgw3k8whM

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aCjC7kMAC4

Source: Audi

June 20, 2014

2014 Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe

Jaguar is going to present a number of models at the famous annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event will be held from 26^th to 29^th June and Jaguar will exhibit an exceptional line-up of vehicles, both old and brand new.

Jaguar will have an extensive selection of its past, present and near-future models at the event. These include victorious examples of the racing D-type, XJS TWR and XJR-9 tackling the famous 1.16-mile hillclimb. Other Jaguar Heritage competition racers in action at Goodwood will include the iconic ‘Group 44’ E-type, the Group-A XJS TWR and the 1988 Le Mans-winning XJR-9 LM, the latter being reunited with one of its victorious team drivers; Andy Wallace.

Away from the competition cars, Jaguar will present the new production F-TYPE R Coupe and XFR-S Sportbrake. Both are set for high speed drives up the famous Goodwood Hill.

2014 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 – 550HP (404 kW) and 680Nm (504 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

Some of its special features include Jaguar super performance braking system with red calipers; sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics; switchable Active Sports Exhaust; quad exhaust pipes; a set of 20″ Gyrodyne Silver alloy wheels; configurable Dynamics System; Electronic Active Differential with Torque Vectoring by braking; performance seats with premium leather facings and ‘R’ embossing; 3-spoke leather flat-bottomed steering wheel with Ignis gear shift paddles; dark technical weave aluminium console finisher with ‘R’ graphic; configurable ambient interior lighting with selectable palette.

Source: Jaguar

June 20, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate – UK Price

Mercedes-Benz has announced the pricing of the new 2014 C-Class Estate for the UK. The versatile family car has a price tag of £28,055 on the road for the entry-level model – C 200. Mercedes offers the C-Class Estate with five engines and three model lines. The car sets new class benchmarks in refinement, economy and standard equipment.

There are three trim levels – SE, Sport and AMG Line. There are also four option packages – the Executive Package (£995 and available on the SE) which comprises the Garmin Map Pilot NAV system, heated front seats and chrome (rather than black) roof rails.

The Premium Package adds a panoramic glass sunroof, Keyless-Go, the ambient lighting system and the electric seat memory package. The Premium Plus Package adds the mighty Burmester surround sound system and COMAND Online. The packages cost £1,595 and £2,795 respectively.

Further options include the Driving Assistance Package (£1,495 available on the Sport and AMG Line models) which incorporates the Blind Spot Assist, Distronic Plus, Lane-Keeping Assist and the Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system.

The AirMATIC Agility Package (£895) allows the suspension on the C-Class Estate to self-level and be raised by 25mm when required as well as varying to allow different damping characteristics. The Air-Balance package, meanwhile, allows a fragrance to be diffused around the interior of the car via a small container found in the glovebox.

Some of the functional highlights include a powered tailgate, roof rails and split folding rear seats all coming as standard.

UK prices:

Model	Transmission	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Economy (MPG)	CO₂ (g/km) from:	Price (OTR)
200 petrol – 1,991 cc, four-cylinder	Six-speed manual or 7-speed automatic	184	300	51.4	128	£28,055
220 BlueTEC, diesel 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	Six-speed manual or 7-speed automatic	170	400	65.7	108	£30,565
250 BlueTEC, diesel 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	7-speed automatic	204	500	62.8	117	£33,220

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 20, 2014

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