Automobiles Review – Page 596 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Switzer Porsche 911 (997) Turbo – 900HP an 1,083Nm

Switzer Performanceunleashed another beast – Porsche 911 Turbo with 900HP based on the 997 model.

The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including bigger turbochargers, new intercoolers and a high-flow air intake system as well as a flex-fuel injection system and a stainless steel sports exhaust system. The result is sensational – 900HP (671 kW) and 1,083Nm (800 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of over 340 km/h (212 mph). ¼ mile is covered in just 9.0 seconds.

Other upgrades include a set of H&R lowering springs and 19” HRE 597 Rs wheels fitted with high-performance Toyo R888 tires.

The owners plans to take place in a series of standing mile events this year with his super powerful Porsche and we wish him luck… especially with a license plate – KCHME (“Catch me”), which is obviously not so easy.

Source: Switzer

February 25, 2014

2014 Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible based on BMW 4-Series 335i

Alpinais going to introduce the all-new B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The stylish convertible is based on the recently announced BMW 4-Series 335i Convertible.

The exterior comes with a typical Alpina outfit – a complete body kit including new front and rear aprons as well as a sports exhaust system and a set of 20” classic Alpina alloy wheels. There are also some decals and special badging.

The interior features heated leather sport seats, a sport steering wheel and Alpina branded door sills plates. Other highlights include embroidered headrests and branded floor mats.

The most important – a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged gasoline engine boosted to 410HP (301 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph). It is connected to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox and is able to return 29.4 mpg US or 35.3 mpg UK – 8.0 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

2014 Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible is expected to hit the market in spring with pricing starting from €74,800.

Source: Alpina

February 25, 2014

2014 Suzuki Swift SZ-L Special Edition – Price £11,316

Suzuki has released another Special Edition of the new 2014 Swift. The small hatchback is expected to hit the market on 1^st March in SZ-L form – a limited edition with just 500 units. 2014 Suzuki Swift SZ-L Special Edition is based on the SZ3 trim level with a 1.2 liter petrol engine.

The standard equipment includes 7 airbags, ESP, air conditioning, USB port and Bluetooth as standard. SZ-L adds LED daytime running lights and cruise control from the recently updated Swift SZ4, along with extra equipment only available on SZ-L.

The additional equipment features two-tone metallic paintwork as standard; in either Boost Blue or Cosmic Black body colours with contrasting Cool White roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors. Inside, silver stitching has been added to the steering wheel, gear gaiter and seats which also have a unique fabric design.

Swift SZ-L is available on the recently extended VAT free promotion until the 31^st March at £10,899 for 3-door models and £11,316 for 5-door models.

Source: Suzuki

February 24, 2014

Duke Dynamics Lamborghini Huracan Minotauro

Duke Dynamics are ready with another interesting project based on the all-new Lamborghini Huracan. The successor of the best-selling Gallardo has gone out in a couple of month and the tuning companies already started to improve it. The name of the project is Minotauro.

The exterior boasts a complete styling package including new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of new side skirts and wider front fenders. There is also a new diffuser and an optional carbon lip spoiler.

No words about performance upgrades, but Huracan comes with an updated 5.2 liter naturally-aspirated V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Source: Duke Dynamics

February 24, 2014

Renault Clio RS Monaco GP Edition

First official picture of the Renault Clio RS Monaco GP has published in the internet. The small hot hatchback is expected to make its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Monaco GP Edition comes with few styling upgrades like an exclusive White Frost Pearl exterior with gloss black front grille, mirror casings, window surrounds and on the lower section of the front bumper. There is also a new set of 18” five-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior boasts some white elements on the dashboard and door panels as well as an RS Monitor showing all kinds of information and performance data.

The Clio RS Monaco GP is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline engine – 200HP (147 kW) and 234Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The engine is connected to a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the front wheels.

Source: Renault

February 24, 2014

2014 Ford Focus Facelift – Updated Engine Range

Ford has released full details about the 2014 Focus Facelift, which comes with updated exterior, interior and engine range. The hatchback will make its public debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, next week. It is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year, but pricing is not announced, yet.

The exterior boasts new bumpers and headlights as well as new rear lights. There are also four completely new body panels and the Aston Martin-like front grille. 2014 Focus is available in additional new exterior colours – Deep Impact Blue and Glace Blue. It also boasts lower and wider stance as well as some new chrome details.

“The vision was to add more emotion to the design of Focus,” commented Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe.

“The new Focus is more toned, and more athletic, with more refined surface language; and clearly offers a promise of the drive experience to come.”, he added.

The interior also comes with some upgrades like more intuitive layout, new steering wheel and central stack with fewer controls and switches. The new black satin trim and chrome detailing contribute to a cleaner, more modern look, and more logical and intuitive functions.

The engine range includes a new 1.5 liter EcoBoost – 150HP (110 kW) and 180HP (132 kW) variants. There is also a new 1.5 liter TDCi with 95HP (70 kW) or 120HP (88 kW). Other engines in the range are the familiar 1.0 liter EcoBoost – 100HP (74 kW) and 125HP (92 kW) variants and a 1.6 liter TI-VCT with 85HP (63 kW), 105HP (77 kW) and 125HP (92 kW) versions. The 2.0 liter TDCi with 150HP (116 kW) is also available as well as an electric model with 145HP (107 kW).

The gearbox variants are 5- and 6-speed manuals, a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed speed PowerShift automatic (depending on engine choice). The US-spec model will be offered for the first time with 1.0 liter EcoBoost linked exclusively to a 6-speed manual.

Other changes include upgraded front dampers with two additional steps in damper valving as well as stiffer front and rear bushes providing improved stability and traction. Last, but not least is the updated the electric power steering and modified ESC system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GDBODnmgp4

* New Ford Focus provisional powertrain line-up in the UK:

CAPACITY	POWER	TRANSMISSION
1.0L EcoBoost petrol	100 PS	five-speed manual
1.0L EcoBoost petrol	125 PS	six-speed manual
1.0L EcoBoost petrol	125 PS	six-speed automatic (2015)
1.5L EcoBoost petrol	150 PS	six-speed manual
1.5L EcoBoost petrol	150 PS	six-speed automatic (2015)
1.5L EcoBoost petrol	180 PS	six-speed manual
1.5L EcoBoost petrol	180 PS	six-speed automatic (2015)
1.6L TI-VCT petrol	85 PS	five-speed manual
1.6L TI-VCT petrol	105 PS	five-speed manual
1.6L TI-VCT petrol	125 PS	six-speed PowerShift automatic
1.5L ECOnetic diesel	105 PS	six-speed manual
1.5L TDCi diesel	120 PS	six-speed PowerShift automatic (2015)
1.6L TDCi diesel	95 PS	six-speed manual
1.6L TDCi diesel	115 PS	six-speed manual
2.0L TDCi diesel	150 PS	six-speed manual
2.0L TDCi diesel	150 PS	six-speed PowerShift automatic
Electric	145 PS	single-speed automatic

Source: Ford

February 24, 2014

Vorsteiner Range Rover Veritas Is One Of Five

Vorsteiner Range Rover Veritas is the first of five 10-Year Anniversary vehicles, which are to be enhanced by the tuner. The refiner is celebrating 10 years and this modification comes to commemorate the anniversary.

The Veritas tuning program transforms this Range Rover into a purposeful vehicle which is equipped with full carbon fiber front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper. In fact, the carbon fiber is made via a special treatment. Precisely it is laid by hand allowing the existing PDC (Park Distance Control) sensors, as well as all exterior cameras, to function flawlessly with the factory hardware.

Vorsteiner has become famous over the years with the exquisite wheels it offers. In the present case, the Veritas is equipped with the Vorsteiner Sport Race Forged VSR-163 wheels finished in Gloss Brushed Shadow. The VSR-163s come in size of 24x10J at the back and the rear and are coupled with 285/35/24 Pirelli Tires.

To go even further into details, it is important to mention that each individual spoke on the VSR-163 is machined in a triangular shape that gradually gets wider toward the rear. This small element significantly improves machine time over standard squared spokes.

In addition, the company is also offering an interior treatment. Range Rover Veritas is fitted with custom leather upholstery. At last, Vorsteiner has also disclosed that there are four more models to come, which will celebrate the decade of perfection and success of the tuning brand.

Source: Vorsteiner

February 24, 2014

Pure Sports Feeling: Dotz Shift Toyota GT86

The iconic Toyota GT86, the latest version of which was introduced back in 2012, has fallen in the hands of the German based tuners at Dotz Shift. They decided to enhance their dynamic pearl white version of the car, thus making it delivering the purest sports feeling.

As a reminder, this Toyota is driven by a 200 hp (147 kW) 2L flat engine which ensures its Japanese-racing qualities. Regarding the refinement, the specialists have equipped the car with TRD body kit that adds onto the architecture of the model.

Precisely, the kit consists of a front and rear spoiler, a 4-pipe rear silencer and Eibach springs. Next, they have also given the GT86 a set of new shoes to run on, namely the Dotz Shift shiny black and polished 19 inch wheels.

In fact, they are unique and feature rim with the star pattern formed by seven slender, edgy double spokes and deep lip. They are also lightweight because the recessed center reduces the wheel’s mass. The wheels are also offered in numerous ABE applications from 15 to 19 inch.

Source: Dotz Shift

February 24, 2014

Huntsman Longnose 105 Concept To Be Produced In 49 Examples

A. Kahn Design is the company which has developed the Chelsea Widetrack Defender. Now the designers are improving this winning formula and are introducing the first sketches of a forthcoming concept called Huntsman Longnose 105.

The concept vehicle is a combination of Kahn’s sublime style and Paris-Dakar race bred performance technology. In other words it expresses stunning visual characteristics and boasts supreme performance due to the 6.2 litre V8 powerhouse driving through a 6 speed electronic gearbox.

The engine produces 550 horsepower (404 kW) and is one of the featured elements ensuring breathtaking on and off road performance. Furthermore, the vehicle sports race derived braking system.

Kahn envisioned this design concept with a special exterior pack that includes front bumper with integral LED lamps and sump guard, vented tailpipe exit mud flaps, side steps, Chelsea signature wide wings, crosshair headlamps, rugged new grille, and a choice of 16 or 18 inch wheels.

Inside, the cabin of the Huntsman Longnose 105 features hand trimmed racing seats, sport steering wheel, drilled pedals and custom dials. They all contribute to the unique nature and tactile feel of this high performance Defender.

Moreover, the design company is offering additional list of equipment which includes features such as integrated satellite navigation system, 20 inch wheels, privacy glass, tweed trim detailing and a choice of luxury floor and headlining materials.

The tuning specialists have also revealed that there are plans to produce only 49 examples of the Huntsman Longnose 105. The vehicles will based around the brand new Land Rover Defender and retain an uprated version of the supremely rigid Land Rover chassis.

Source: A. Kahn Design

February 24, 2014

ABT Volkswagen Golf VII R – 370HP and 460Nm

ABT Sportsline has presented their latest project based on Volkswagen Golf VII R. The hot hatchback comes with more power and some nice styling upgrades.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder TFSI engine is boosted to 370HP (272 kW) and 460Nm (341 lb-ft). This is an increase of 70HP and 80Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h (164 mph). The result is thanks to an ECU re-map specially developed for the engine. Fuel consumption is remaining the same as in the standard model.

Apart from the performance, the ABT Golf VII R also comes with a body kit that includes new

ABT also lends its Golf VII an elitist look. The body kit that is in the pipeline shows a front grille, front spoiler with an integrated blade, head light covers, mirror caps, side skirt add-ons, a rear wing, tail gate and rear skirt add-on and the matching and dark ER-C wheels fitted with performance tires.

Source: ABT

February 21, 2014

Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-In Hybrid Revealed

Volkswagen has released the first images of the brand new four-door Golf GTE Plug-In Hybrid vehicle, which was created with the aim to combine the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.

The new car will make its debut in Geneva, where also will be disclosed its detailed specifications. If you haven’t figured out what the letters GTE stand for, where here’s the hint: the GT is for “Gran Tourismo”, while the E stands for Electric.

Precisely, the car will utilize two engines – a 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine that produces 150 hp (110 kW) and a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor. Together both generate 204 hp (150 kW), 350 Nm (258 lbs ft) of torque and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. Volkswagen Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system.

Furthermore, thanks to the mentioned horsepower, the car achieves a 7.6 seconds time for the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. The fuel efficiency on a combined cycle is estimated at 188 mpg, while the CO2 emissions – at 35 g/km.

In terms of exterior, there is nothing that would surprise us here – in other words, the GTE is a typical Golf. However, it includes C-shaped LED daytime running lights on the front bumper similarly to the e-Golf and aerodynamic horizontal ‘fins’ like the GTI. The hybrid will be fitted with 18-inch ‘Serron’ alloy wheels as a standard.

The same blue highlights seen on the exterior can be found on the inside. For instance, there is a blue stitching of the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. The interior also sports 8-inch Discover Pro satellite navigation system with DAB radio and Bluetooth as a standard.

Source: Volkswagen

February 21, 2014

Mazda To Officially Reveal HAZUMI Model At Geneva Motor Show

Mazda HAZUMI is the next-generation subcompact concept, which will be revealed by the brand at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. In addition, Mazda will also show for the first time at the event its new clean diesel engine – the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, as well as the MX-5 model.

There hasn’t been said much for the HAZUMI, except for that this name literally means “bound” or “spring up” in Japanese. The company also said that it will be a small car “that appears to be bursting with energy”, if we follow the name-concept. Of course, the car will be built with no compromises in terms of engineering and will probably convey the ideal form for the company’s next-generation subcompact vehicle.

In Geneva Mazda will also debut the newly developed small-displacement SKYACTIV-D 1.5 clean diesel engine. On the other hand, the next generation MX-5 will celebrate 25th anniversary of the iconic bestselling roadster.

The visitors of the show will also have the chance to see the following vehicles: Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, Mazda5, Mazda2, Mazda MX-5, as well as the following technologies: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel. Less than two weeks to go to get the full idea of what the HAZUMI will be about!

Source: Mazda

February 21, 2014

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