Automobiles Review – Page 600 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Zenvo ST1 To Make Debut In Geneva

Six years ago a new supercar was introduced to the market, namely the Zenvo ST1. The Danish manufacturer aimed back then to make one of the most exclusive and powerful cars globally and it did!

The car was equipped with turbocharged 7.0 liter V8 engine which produced 1104 hp (810kW) and 1055 lb-ft (1430 Nm) of maximum torque. These figures speak of only exhilarating performance. The acceleration time here for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.0 seconds, while the top speed is 375 km/h.

Furthermore, the car was “eco-friendly” because it used both regular gasoline and E85 bio-ethanol fuel. But were these details enough for the super-high price tag of $1.8 million dollars? A point of defense here is that the supercar was hand-built and in addition was produced in super limited run of only 15 examples.

Unfortunately, since the introduction of the model we haven’t heard much from Zenvo. Until now. The brand came out of the dark and disclosed that the ST1 hypercar will be making its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. We are not sure however, will the car at the show have any enhancements or any differences to the initial model. Obviously, we have to wait few more weeks to make it clear.

February 14, 2014

2014 Renault Twingo Revealed!

2014-Renault-Twingo-THUMB The firs generation Renault Twingo was introduced two decades ago. Now the brand has taken a fresh look at its urban car, which has a design inspired by the legacy left by the original Twingo and the Renault 5. As a result, we have a new, innovative and agile car.

The 2014 model will be offered in a choice of four striking colours, rear-mounted engine and extra cabin space. Positioning the engine at the rear is an advantage for a small city car since it considerably enhances the maneuverability. In addition, the position of the engine also frees up extra cabin space.

Just like the Twin’Z and Twin’Run concept cars, 2014 Twingo exudes personality. First to mention is the choice of four exterior paint colours, namely light blue, white, yellow and red. The other characteristics of the model are heavily inspired by the Renault 5, including the rear screen and its prominent shoulders.

The front end includes Renault’s new trademark styling, big head lights, topped by the direction indicators and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, we have rear lights which are a natural prolongation of the tailgate. Other styling cues include a sleek profile, concealed rear door handles, available features such as door mirrors, side protective mouldings and decals.

At the Geneva Auto Show Renault will show the vehicle to the general public for the first time and also will reveal 2014 Twingo’s interior.

Source: Renault

February 14, 2014

Rare McLaren MP4-12C High Sport For Sale

2012-McLaren-MP4-12C-High-Sport-shadow McLaren Newport Beach is the only authorised McLaren dealer in the Orange County and Sand Diego county, and today they have good news for you, the above-average customer. It’s in the form of a Pearl White 2012 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport that has only done 4,713 miles.

High Sport means that there are only a few of these on the streets (note the “Chassis 4” (out of 10) plates). It also means that you get cool stuff on it which you won’t find on standard editions MP4s. Stuff like an even more downforce-friendly carbon fiber front bumper, a composite underbody again with more downforce generative properties, carbon fiber rear wheel vents, front wheel arch louvers, carbon vented rear deck and engine cover vents, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon mirror caps and an F1 style badge.

That’s a lot of niceties but you do pay a lot of money for them. $399,888 to be precise. The original MSRP stood at $458,256 so that’s quite the discount (for a car that has barely seen the light of day). Apparently, everything has been kept up to standard since day one by an authorized McLaren dealer. You also can opt for McLaren’s Qualified Extended Warranty.

The MP4-12, although a tiny bit outdated nowadays, is still a serious player. It holds a 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8. This one being an HS, it most probably has a boost of 75 hp over the standard 592 value. Quite the catch then!

Source: McLaren Newport Beach

February 13, 2014

Lexus RC F-Sport at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Lexus will exhibit the 2015 RC 350 F-Sport at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March. The stylish coupe has already been presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, last year and now the hot RC F-Sport will be showcased to the audience.

It comes with an aggressive aerodynamics package and some upgrades for the interior to emphasize the sporty look of the coupe. It is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 – 318HP (237 kW), which will send the power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission with paddles on the steering wheel.

Stay tuned for more information and pictures from the upcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show, which will start on March 4^th.

Source: Lexus

February 13, 2014

2014 Lamborghini Huracan – 700 units are ordered

Lamborghini has received 700 orders for the all-new 2014 Huracan LP 610-4. The successor of Gallardo appears to be very appreciated by the customers of Lamborghini.

The model has an excellent start having in mind that the Gallardo is the best-selling Lamborghini, ever. The model is currently on a “month-long private preview tour worldwide for VIP clients”. It will be officially unveiled to audience at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show on March 4^th.

The Huracan is powered by a 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine – 610HP (449 kW) at 8,250RPM and 560Nm (415 lb-ft) at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch LDF transmission sending the power to a fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-193 km/h in 9.9 seconds.

There are three driving modes – STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. Optionally, you can get the “Lamborghini Dynamic Steering” variable steering ration system and magneto-rheologic suspension damper control.

The weight of the sports car is just 1,422 kg (3,140 lbs), so the power to weight ratio is 2.33kg/hp.

Source: Lamborghini

February 13, 2014

Volvo S60 V8 Supercar – 650HP and 660Nm

Volvo Polestar Racing has unveiled the S60 Racecar which will take place in V8 Supercars Championship.

It is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0 liter V8 – 650HP (478 kW) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque. The redline is at 7,500RPM and runs on E85 fuel. The curb weight is just 1,410 kg (3,108 lbs) thanks to a number of carbon fiber elements as well as completely stripped interior. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 298 km/h (185 mph). The power is put on the road through a 6-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with a built-in spool differential on the rear wheels.

Some of the highlights include a double wishbone front and independent rear suspension, 395mm front and 355mm rear ventilated discs with 6- and 4-piston AP Racing calipers. It rolls 18” forged alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop performance tires. Last, but not least is the super-expensive Öhlins TTX suspension (dampers and springs).

Volvo S60 V8 Supercar technical information

Vehicle	Volvo S60
Engine	Modified Volvo B8444S (see below)
Transmission	Control Albins ST6 6 speed sequential Transaxle with integrated spool differential
Front suspension	Double wishbone suspension, adjustable damper and cockpit adjustable front anti-roll bar
Rear suspension	Control independent rear suspension, adjustable damper; cockpit adjustable anti-roll bar
Front brakes	AP Racing 6 piston caliper, 395mm ventilated discs
Rear brakes	AP Racing 4 piston caliper, 355mm ventilated discs
Wheels	Control Rimstock 18” x 11” forged aluminium
Tyres	Dunlop control tyre
Weight	1410KG (includes driver)
Top speed	298+ km/h
0-100km/h	3.2 seconds
Steering	Custom rack and pinion power assisted steering
Shocks	Ohlins TTX Dampers
Electronics	MoTec ECU and Data Logging System

Engine technical information

Block	Modified Volvo B8444S, 60 degree aluminium cylinder block
Heads	Modified Volvo B8444S, aluminium
Bore x Stroke	95.5 x 87.1
Capacity	4989cc
Compression	10:1
Power	650bhp (estimated)
Max revs	7500rpm
Induction	Naturally aspirated, eight throttle bodies
Fuel	E85
Liners	Cast in steel liners
Valve train	Double overhead camshafts, direct acting tappets, chain drive
Ignition	Volvo B8444S coil on plug
Injection	Port injection, one injector per cylinder, injection pressure: 5.5 bar

2014 V8 Supercars Championship

February 15	sydney.com V8 Supercars Test Day	Sydney Motorsport Park
Feb 27-Mar 2	Clipsal 500 Adelaide	Adelaide
Mar 13-16	2014 Formula 1 Australian GP	Albert Park
March 28-30	Tasmania 400	Symmons Plains Raceway
April 4-6	Winton 400	Winton Motor Raceway
April 24-27	ITM 500 Auckland	Pukekohe Park Raceway
May 16-18	Perth 400	Barbagallo Raceway
June 20-22	Skycity Triple Crown Darwin 500	Hidden Valley Raceway
July 4-6	Townsville 500	Reid Park
Aug 1-3	Coates Hire Ipswich 400	Queensland Raceway
Aug 22-24	Sydney Motorsport Park 400	Sydney Motorsport Park
Sept 12-14	Wilson Security Sandown 500	Sandown Raceway
Oct 9-12	Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000	Mount Panorama
Oct 24-26	Armor All Gold Coast 600	Surfers Paradise
Nov 14-16	Phillip Island 400	Phillip Island Circuit
Dec 5-7	Sydney 500	Sydney Olympic Park

Source: Volvo

February 13, 2014

Ferrari California T Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Ferrari California was introduced 64 years ago – in 1950. Now the exclusive Italian brand is releasing another successor of the model – the Ferrari California T, which exudes elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity.

California T boasts a refined cabin and retractable hard top (RHT). But the most striking and a brand new feature here is the engine, which is 8-cylinder turbo one. As a matter of fact, Ferrari’s engineers have designed an entirely new power unit, which produces not only excessive power, but also – the most exhilarating soundtrack any turbo has ever yielded.

Precisely, the engine features direct-injection, and is mounted very low in the chassis in a mid-front position. It delivers 560 hp (411 kW) at 7500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 755 Nm (557 lb-ft). These numbers speak only of exhilarating acceleration over the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, which the car covers in only 3.6 seconds.

Furthermore, the typical Ferrari engine sound was achieved through the utilization of special manufacturing techniques for essential components, such as the flat-plane crankshaft and the three-piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing. The result is a powerful, engaging sound during both the intake and exhaust phases, becoming even more potent as engine speed increases.

The sports dynamics are inherent to California T, due to the reduced steering wheel activity and improved steering response. There have been added new springs and latest-generation Magnaride dampers. When combined with body motion accelerometers, they reduce roll and pitch for more precise handling. California T is also equipped with F1-Trac traction control system as well as CCM3 carbon-ceramic braking system.

Of course, as a true Italian sports car, the model was given considerable attention in terms of design. The goal was to ensure that the California T has a new, individual personality. The shape of the California T’s flanks was inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s pontoon-fender styling; the front wing line of the model stretches back towards the rear, thus bringing an aerodynamic sleekness and movement to the sides. The rear on the other hand benefits from a new triple-fence diffuser. The model is currently being offered in two colors Rosso California and Blu California.

The cabin of the model was designed to be as ergonomic as possible. It sports a luxurious Frau semi-aniline leather trim, human-machine interface which encompasses Ferrari’s steering wheel with integrated controls, Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) positioned between the two air vents in the centre of the dash. California T also boasts new infotainment system with 6.5” screen featuring both touch-screen and conventional controls.

Ferrari California T is going to have an official premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

Source: Ferrari

February 13, 2014

Arden Enhances Jaguar XJ 358

bAlthough the Jaguar XJ 358 is not a brand new car it is undoubtedly worth it when something exciting happens around it. Such “thing” is the tuning enhancing that the specialists at Arden have given it.

Jaguar XJ 358 was produced between 2007 and 2009 and was the facelifted version of the X350. Compared to its predecessor, Jaguar gave the car a revised front grille that was positioned low, new front bumper assembly, a changed Jaguar Logo, revised front lights and door mirrors. The interior was only slightly changed, and included resculptured front seats.

Arden has given this emblem in the automotive history a front conversion. It comprises of stainless steel grille for the front bumper, two front bumper lips and two air inlets with daytime lights. What is specifically exciting about these parts is that they were made out of premium fiber glass carbon compound and were additionally tested and optimized in the wind tunnel.

Thanks to these simple improvements, the designers have managed to transform the classic lines and elegant appearance of the XJ 358 into a timeless limousine representing style and class like no other model.

What is left to be said is that Arden’s front spoiler that has a larger air inlets and integrated LED daytime lights, not only contributes for XJ’s impressive “face”, but also additionally improves road safety.

Source: Arden

February 13, 2014

McLaren Surprises With The Debut Of 650S In Geneva

McLaren Automotive has just announced exciting news about the 84th International Geneva Motor Show, where it will debut the latest addition to its range of groundbreaking supercars – the McLaren 650S.

The brand also unveiled the first teaser image of the model, which was designed and developed to offer the ultimate in luxury, engagement and excitement, as well as dramatic and beautiful styling.

We suppose that the name of the model also shows its horsepower. In addition, McLaren gave a hint that the car will be probably some how similar to the 12C and the P1, precisely – it will be positioned between the two on McLaren Automotive’s supercar grid.

More details around the McLaren 650S will be announced ahead of car’s global reveal which will take place on 4th of March in Geneva.

Source: McLaren

February 13, 2014

Kia Sportage MY2014 Update Debuts At Geneva

2014-Kia-Sportage-shadow 2014-Kia-Sportage-medium With the Geneva Motor Show drawing nearer, we get all kinds of news: interesting, prolific, and downright mind blowing. This is neither of these, but we’ll deliver nevertheless. It’s the slightly updated Kia Sportage range for this year.

Here’s the deal: the MY2014 gets a new premium sound system, FlexSteer (Kia’s selectable steering feedback) as standard, a heated steering wheel, and trailer stability control. In terms of refinement, the interior is, apparently, less noisy thanks to an even more stream defying windshield. Bush-mounted subframes and new transmission mounting brackets bring about further improvements to the overall ride quality.

We guess beauty is in the details since there’s nothing else to be said about the update. Surprisingly enough, the Spotage is Kia’s best-selling model in Europe. Back in 2013 there were a total of 89,553 models sold. That’s a year-on-year increase of 10.5 percent. Clever moves like that are sure to keep that trend going.

Source: Kia

February 12, 2014

2014 Audi S1 and S1 Sportback – EU Price €29,950 and €30,800

Audi has officially unveiled the 2014 S1 Quattro and S1 Sportback Quattro. Both hot hatchbacks will make their official debuts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The top-of-range A1 comes with an aggressive body kit including modified front and rear bumpers, bigger side sills as well as a rear wing and a quad sport exhaust system. The exterior looks pretty amazing and it suits the performance just perfectly.

The S1 Quattro is powered by the well-known 2.0 liter TFSI from Golf GTI Performance – 231HP (170 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The power is sent to the road through Quattro all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds for the small S1 and the Sportback is 0.1 seconds slower, because of the extra weight.

Other highlights include a set of 17” alloy wheels fitted with 215/40 R17 tires. There is also an option for bigger 18” wheels with 225/35 R18. There are also xenon plus headlights combined with LED taillights, enormous 310mm front disc brakes with red calipers and S1 logo.

The interior boasts black theme combined with dark gray scales for the instruments, stainless steel pedals and standard sport seats. There is an option for S-sport seats featuring built-in head restraints.

The 2014 Audi S1 and S1 Sportback will hit the market in June with pricing starting from €29,950 and €30,800, respectively.

Source: Audi

February 12, 2014

Lumma Design Range Rover CLR R Carbon Package

2014-Lumma-Design-Range-Rover-CLR-R-Carbon-shadow Lumma Design rolled out their CLR R makeover kit for the new Range Rover last year. Today, you can build on that update with another update: Lumma Design’s comprehensive carbon fiber package. There’s also a power increase aspect to this new project.

Let’s not forget, however, that the original CLR R package already offers a re-styled carbon fiber hood with (more than really needed) air scoops. It’s also responsible for the new bumpers, the flaring wheel arches and lower door sills.

The new stuff includes the front grille, door handles, mirror covers, rear spoiler lip, rear and side trim strips and an anti-glare panel for the bonnet – all with a gloriously exposed carbon fiber look. There is also a stainless steel exhaust system on offer. It adds four tailpipes that give the Rangie a deep, sonorous voice and lower the overall backpressure. Bulky 12.0J x 22-inch Lumma Exclusive alloy wheels complement the overall exterior appeal.

If the converted Range Rover happens to be a diesel, why not ad the Lumma D-Box? It’s a performance upgrade feature that amps up the power from 340 hp to about 370 hp. It also adds 100 Nm of torque to a total of 800.

Climb aboard and you find yourself amidst a garden of plush: Alcantara seats with diamond-quilt patterns, Alcantara/leather dashboard, door panels and center console. Don’t be surprised to find a few carbon fiber inserts here and there as well. The flat-bottomed sports steering wheel too wears an Alcantara finish on the grippy parts. Finishing off the remodelled cabin are smaller but no less important details such as the aluminium pedal set with non-slip rubber feet, stainless-steel door sill scuff plates with illuminated Lumma logo, and Lumma Design carpet mats.

Source: Lumma Design

February 12, 2014

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