Automobiles Review – Page 588 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Vorsteiner 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG rides on Flow Forged V-FF 101

Vorsteiner has published some nice pictures of 2014 Mercedes SL63 AMG Roadster riding on their Flow Forged V-FF 101 in Matte Black.

The wheels have dimensions of 8.5J x 19” at the front fitted with 255/35 ZR19 high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with 305/25 ZR20. The lightweight V-FF 101 in Matte Black suits the aggressive characteristics of the SL63 AMG.

As a reminder, the new SL 63 AMG comes with newly developed 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with 530HP (390 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque in standard configuration and 557HP (410 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package. 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 11, 2014

BMW i8 Goes Into Production

BMW will put the 2015 i8 in production and first deliveries are expected sometime in June, this year. The sports hybrid car is already exceeding the planned production volume during ramp-up. Furthermore, the specifications of BMW i8 are improved.

The drivetrain includes a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The overall power is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft), which is enough for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The fuel consumption is sensational – 2.1 l / 100 km (134.5 mpg UK or 112 mpg US with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. What is more, the 2015 i8 can go up to 37 km (23 miles) only on electricity with zero emissions.

The curb weight of the vehicle is extremely low, too considering the electric motor and the battery pack – 1,485 kg and a drag coefficient (Cd) for a sports car of 0.26.

Last, but not least are the optional BMW laser headlights scheduled for autumn 2014. The model will become the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology. BMW laser headlights are around 30 % more energy-efficient than the BMW i8’s standard LED headlights and provide considerably more powerful road illumination, with a range of up to 600 metres. Highly concentrated beams of light from high-performance laser diodes act on a fluorescent phosphor material inside the headlight, which projects a sharply focused beam of light onto the road. The laser headlights produce a light similar to natural daylight and are therefore always easy on the eye.

Source: BMW

March 11, 2014

2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe – More Value for Money

Honda now offers an updated 2014 Civic Si with a lot of new features like a retuned suspension, an upgraded interior and more powerful engines. The 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe will hit the US market tomorrow with a starting price of $22,790. The 2014 Civic Si Sedan goes on-sale March 26 with an MSRP starting at $22,990.

Some of the highlights include a performance-styled 18” alloy wheels, a more aggressive hood, front fenders and headlight designs, and new taillight lenses and side mirrors. There is also an exclusive grille and lower front-bumper garnish and rear air diffuser, and a large wing spoiler.

The interior boasts exclusive seat fabric and trim is enhanced with a sport-oriented black and red color scheme and the audio panel received a high tech, race-inspired carbon fiber-style design.

The engine is a 2.4 liter i-VTEC DOHC 16V mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The power is 205HP (151 kW) and 235Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque.

For superior sport handling, the suspension is revised with higher rate springs, new dampers and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar.

Standard equipment includes a new 7” Display Audio touchscreen, which uses a smartphone-like interface. There is also a Smart Entry with Push Button start, expanded view driver’s mirror and Honda LaneWatch display for enhanced driver visibility.

TRIM	MSRP⁴	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings⁵ (city/highway/combined)

Civic Si Coupe 6MT	$22,790	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Summer Tires	$22,990	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Navi	$24,290	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Summer Tires & Navi	$24,490	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT	$22,990	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT w/ Summer Tires	$23,190	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT w/ Navi	$24,490	22/31/25

Source: Honda

March 11, 2014

2014 Citroen C1 – Price £8,245

2014 Citroen C1 will hit the UK market in July, this year with pricing starting from just £8,245 for the C1 Touch VTi 68 manual 3-door and will go up to £11,935 for the C1 Airscape Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door.

There are three trim levels – Touch, Feel and Flair with the new Airscape versions specified in Feel and Flair trim. There are also 8 body colours to choose from, including four metallic options, along with three wheel designs and four interior upholstery finishes. The fabric roof will be available in three colours for the Airscape models (Black, Grey & Sunrise Red).

The engine range includes two latest-generation petrol units: a VTi 68, available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed clutchless Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG), or as an e-VTi 68 Airdream 5-speed manual with Stop & Start technology. There is also the addition of Citroen’s latest 3-cylinder ‘PureTech’ VTi 82 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Standard specification includes ABS, EBA, ESP, power steering, high frequency remote central locking, electric front windows, six airbags, an MP3 compatible audio system, a USB socket and LED daytime running lights.

Feel adds air conditioning, DAB digital radio, 7” Touch Drive interface with Mirror Screen technology and steering mounted controls, along with body coloured door mirrors and door handles.

Flair adds 15” ‘Planet’ alloy wheels and additional features including a speed limiter, rev counter, reversing camera, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and dark tinted rear windows.

Optional extras include automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, keyless entry & start and styling details such as black leather upholstery and various interior colour packs.

NEW CITROËN C1	MRRP OTR
C1 Touch VTi 68 manual 3-door	£8,245
C1 Feel VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door	£9,495 / £9,895
C1 Flair VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door	£10,185 / £10,585
C1 Flair e-VTi 68 Airdream manual 3-door / 5-door	£10,435 / £10,835
C1 Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door	£11,085
C1 Flair VTi 82 manual 3-door / 5-door	£10,535 / £10,935

C1 Airscape Feel VTi 68 manual 3-door / 5-door	£10,345 / £10,745
C1 Airscape Feel VTi 82 manual 5-door	£11,095
C1 Airscape Flair e-VTi 68 Airdream manual 3-door / 5-door	£11,285 / £11,685
C1 Airscape Flair VTi 68 ETG 5-door	£11,935
C1 Airscape Flair VTi 82 manual 3-door / 5-door	£11,385 / £11,785

NEW CITROËN C1 OPTIONS	Touch	Feel	Flair	Basic R.R.P	V.A.T	Total R.R.P
Rear head restraints	o	●	●	£41.67	£8.33	£50.00
Space saver spare wheel	o¹	o¹	o¹	£58.33	£11.67	£70.00
15″ ‘Planet’ alloy wheels		o	●	£375.00	£75.00	£450.00
Rev counter		o	●	£33.33	£6.67	£40.00
Automatic Pack Plus- Automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, keyless entry & start			o¹	£475.00	£95.00	£570.00
Automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights			o²	£225.00	£45.00	£270.00
Sunrise Red Colour Pack – Sunrise Red centre console, Sunrise Red vents and gear knob surrounds, black lower dashboard		o	o	£83.33	£16.67	£100.00
White Colour Pack – White centre console, white vents and gear knob surrounds, black lower dashboard, leather steering wheel and gear knob		o		£83.33	£16.67	£100.00
Black leather upholstery			o¹	£541.67	£108.33	£650.00
Sunrise Red fabric roof		o²	o²	£83.33	£16.67	£100.00
Flat paint (exc. Scarlet Red)	o	o	o	£208.33	£41.67	£250.00
Metallic paint	o	o	o	£412.50	£82.50	£495.00

¹ Not available as an option on Airscape versions.

Source: Citroen

March 11, 2014

Rembrandt Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Sold Out!

Bugatti achieved unsurpassed success at the Geneva Motor Show and has disclosed that this is due to the fact that all three cars of the “Rembrandt Bugatti” Legend are already sold out. The price of this limited-edition Vitesse is 2.18 million Euros.

“Rembrandt Bugatti” is the fourth model of the six-part edition “Les Légendes de Bugatti” or “Bugatti Legends”. The bran has designed and created them with the aim to pay homage to the important personalities from its company history. All six models are to be based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and are strictly limited to three vehicles. The next legend will be presented at Auto China in one month.

Rembrandt Bugatti was brother of company founder Ettore and one of the most important sculptors. He became famous with a sculpture of a dancing elephant, which can be seen on the radiator of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale and which later became the brand’s symbol.

Rembrandt Bugatti is equipped with 8 litre W16 engine which achieves an unparalleled torque of 1,500 Nm (1107 lb-ft) and 1,200 hp (882 kW) at 3,000–5,000 rpm. It can effortlessly accelerate from 0–100 km in only 2.6 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 408.84 km/h with the roof down. This makes the Vitesse the fastest production roadster ever built.

The body of this supersports car was designed in the “horizontal split”, and is largely composed of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon. The lower half of the vehicle is painted in an elegant light brown – “Noix”. The famous Bugatti horseshoe gleams in platinum from the front grille, with platinum also ringing the EB logo at the rear.

The Legend runs on wheels in dark “Firefinch” and light “Noix” browns. In reference to the artist and Legends car’s namesake, Rembrandt Bugatti’s signature has been lasered onto the petrol and oil cap.

Inside, the same elegant and harmonious treatment is applied. This Vitesse is entirely upholstered with leather in light brown “Cognac”. The rear centre box between the seats has a new provocative design. It sports Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous elephant sculpture. The elephant was cast in bronze and worked as an insert into the cover.

The latter is made of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon. The door trim features braided leather in the colours of “Cognac” and “Coffee”. Platinum is also to be found in the interior onto the EB logo on the steering wheel.

The insert of bronze-coloured clear-coated carbon on the extended centre console with the lettering “Les Légendes de Bugatti” and Rembrandt Bugatti’s elephant, the door sill plates displaying the sculptor’s portrait and signature are also unique features for this Bugatti Legend.

Source: Bugatti

March 11, 2014

Nissan To Reveal New Sedan Concept At Auto China

Next month, at the 13th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2014) Nissan is going to make a world premiere of the New Sedan Concept (yes, that’s the name), which will be infused with brand’s new global design strategy.

Also featured at the event will be the BladeGlider concept that will also make a debut, but this time only for China, the Autonomous Drive car, Nissan Teana flagship sedan, the new X-Trail as well as the new NV200 Xtronic transmission.

Last year at Auto Shanghai 2013 we saw the debut of the Friend-ME concept, which exuded provocative design and was equipped with many connectivity features. What was striking in its interior design was the unique centre console that stretched from the dash to between the rear seats.

This year at Auto China 2014, Nissan has prepared the New Sedan Concept specifically for the Chinese digital lifestyle. In fact, after the Friend-ME, this concept vehicle will be the second time for Nissan Design China (NDC), to create a concept car design in collaboration with the Nissan Global Design Center (NGDC).

Unfortunately neither information nor a teaser image of the New Sedan Concept was released. So we have to wonder whether the car will be a successor of the Friend-ME concept or not. All will be revealed on 23d of April.

Source: Nissan

March 11, 2014

Domanig Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Domanig has unveiled their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series. The German-based tuning company offers styling and performance upgrades as well.

The 6.2 liter AMG V8 is boosted to 800HP (588 kW) – an increase of 169HP. There is also a KW variant III high-performance suspension system with adjustable dampers and a hydraulic lift system controllable through an iPhone application.

There is also a set of huge wheels including 20” front alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires – 285/30 ZR20 and 21” rear wheels wrapped with 325/25 ZR21 tires.

Other highlights include some decals and special badging.

Source: Domanig

March 11, 2014

2014 Audi RS 5 DTM Getting New Color Scheme

The new Audi RS 5 DTM is getting a brand new livery, called Schaeffler. The car will be driven by the Champion Mike Rockenfeller, who aims to defend his title. Precisely, the 2014 DTM car made its debut in Geneva last week.

It includes newly developed aerodynamics and many detailed improvements underneath its carbon fiber skin. The Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM is the first of the total of eight liveries with which the brand is going to compete in the DTM in 2014.

Here, the basic colors of ‘Rocky’s’ car have been kept. Nevertheless, the body contours of the near-460 hp (340 kW) touring car are now even more dynamic than before. At first glance the new Audi RS 5 DTM appears more aggressive. The reason for this is the complete re-development of the aerodynamics.

Next, the suspension was also redesigned as well as a honeycomb grill was included at the front. New air ducts feed the engine and brakes. The exterior mirrors were integrated into the aerodynamic concept and have a new and very interesting form. Look at the carbon used there as well!

Source: Nissan

March 11, 2014

Hyundai PassoCorto – Inspired By Generation Y

Hyundai has made connections with the students in the famous Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin, Italy, and working in collaborations with them has created a sports car that would appeal to Generation Y consumers. The final concept was displayed in Geneva.

Sixteen students draw and designed. As you can see on the pictures, the result is a dramatic, compact and ultra-lightweight sports car concept which carries the name PassoCorto. In Italian this means ‘short wheelbase’.

The compact two-seater weighs only 840 kg due to the extensive use of carbon fibre. Even the chassis is made of this material. The engine which drives this car is a rear-mid mounted four-cylinder in-line 1,6-litre bi-turbo one.

The exterior paint finish was decided in fiery orange with the aim to pay homage to the bright colours of many Italian sports cars back in the 70s’. The car was constructed via manual design and clay modeling. Modern-day 3D digital modelling was used only in the final stages.

The technical feature included here are a video camera that not only acts as a rear view mirror, but also records high-resolution videos to be shared with friends on the web.

Source: Hyundai

March 11, 2014

2014 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi – Price £17,635

2014 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi is now available with pricing starting from £17,635 for the 110HP ecoFLEX model.

The super-smooth and super-quiet new generation engine boasts an impressive 76.3 mpg UK and CO2 emission of just 97 g/km. It also complies with EURO 6 regulations and boasts best-in-class low noise and vibration.

Jerry Ramsdale, organiser of the Fleet World Fleet Show event, commented: “We are delighted with the green emphasis at this year’s Show, which has seen many manufacturers keen to show off their very latest low-carbon offerings, like the new ‘whisper diesel’ Astra from Vauxhall.”

“For those fleet decision makers who want to find out more about the benefits of going green, the Allstar Card Services Eco-driving Hub will help them understand all the factors affecting the size of their future fuel and tax bills, and all the ways of improving them,” , he added.

The 1.6 liter CDTi ECOTEC is also available with 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) of torque. The combined cycle is just 4.1 liters / 100 km with emissions of just 109 g/km CO2.

This new generation engine and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Rüsselsheim and the USA.

Source: Opel

March 10, 2014

2013 Scion FR-S – The Coolest New Car Under $25,000

2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S is named “The Coolest Car Under $25k of 2014” by Kelley Blue Book for second year in a row. The annual consumer resource list highlights affordable vehicles for drivers of all lifestyles, each that bring a subjective “cool factor.”

“Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com again captures the full experience and affordability of the Scion FR-S with a top spot on its 10 Coolest New Cars Under $25,000 list”, said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “Drivers and industry experts continue to tell us the FR-S brings together the style, handling and allusive fun factor that’s needed in this segment and on the roads. We’re happy to deliver.”

The FR-S is powered by the same 2.0 liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 203HP (149 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque, which is not much, but it is just enough, especially mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also an option for 6-speed automatic, if you prefer lazy driving. The power is send to the rear wheels, where a Torsen limited-slip differential takes care about the traction and going into right direction.

Standard equipment includes Display Audio System featuring a 6.1” LCD touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/HD Radio™ technology, hands-free phone capability, music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and AUX/USB port with iPod® connectivity.

2013 FR-S comes with the Star Safety System that includes Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The FR-S is covered by a 3-year/36 000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60 000-mile powertrain warranty.

The price is $24,200.

Source: Scion

March 10, 2014

2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty and Expedition King Ranch

Ford has unveiled the 2015 King Ranch Line-up including 2015 F-150, F-Series Super Duty and Expedition models.

The special edition models come with two-tone exterior with running boards and a unique chrome grille. There are also LED puddle lights and a remote tailgate. The interior comes with complete leather upholstery specially created for King Ranch models as well as heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. Other goodies include a Sony premium audio system with HD Radio and special logo.

“King Ranch vehicles are made to kick butt, to get in the brush and dunes and mud holes,” commented Mr. Meinzer

“We tried to present them in the conditions you’d actually see on a ranch.”, he finished.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upS5YU2tbn4