Automobiles Review – Page 614 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Charity: Chevrolet Auctions Rights To First 2014 Camaro COPO And Z/28

Chevrolet-COPO-Camaro-shadow Chevrolet-COPO-Camaro-medium There’s a certain prestige in owning the first of a limited range of production models. So how do companies look at the masses of potential buyers and choose one to break the mold. Chevrolet, have tackled this problem with an admirable solution. Those eager to own the 2014 No.1 production COPO Camaro, or the 0001 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, can participate in a charity auction to win the rights. Bids will be accepted at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction or online

On Friday evening, gearheads with big hearts will be head to head in the race to have the first of 69 factory produced Chevrolet COPO Camaro vehicles. The highest bidder will benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. In return, he will be able to buy a one-off COPO in Ice Blue Metallic satin paint scheme. It features a new LS-based 350-cubic-inch engine with an amazing 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger.

On the next day – Sunday, 18th of January – the rights to purchase the first Camaro Z/28 will also be sold. The money raised will go to Detroit’s Cornerstone Schools. The Camaro Z/28 is famous for lapping the Nurburgring in 7:37.40 seconds – faster than a Murcielago LP640.

It has a 7.0 LS7 engine 505 hp and 652 Nm of torque. A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only option. Power goes to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential that employs helical gears rather than traditional clutch packs. The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune bump-and-rebound settings for high- and low-speed wheel motions. It arrives in dealerships in spring.

Chevrolet-Camaro-Z-28-medium

Source: Chevrolet

January 16, 2014

Seat Leon ST 4Drive Arriving Soon

Seat-Leon-ST-4Drive-medium Today the Vienna Autoshow kicked off for a 3-day run. To be honest, there isn’t much hype around it. Seat, however, are taking the opportunity to debut and showcase their up-and-coming Leon ST 4Drive. That last bit means permanent four-wheel drive.

Seat’s 4Drive setup is pretty much identical to VW’s 4MOTION system which we discussed last week: the same Haldex 5 coupling, EDS dynamic control, and an extended differential lock (XDS without the ‘+’). It’s only natural, really. Afterall, Volkswagen is the parent company, and the Leon and Golf do share the same platform.

There are two TDI engines (and nothing else) available with the AWD ST Leons. One is a 105 PS 1.6-liter unit, while the other – a 2.0-liter – boasts 150 PS. Both are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With start/stop systems and braking-energy regeneration both engines sip the diesel rather than guzzle it. Yet, the 2.0 has a 0 to 60 mph time of 8,7 seconds. That’s pretty impressive if we don’t forget that we are talking about a 4.5 meter long station wagon with 587-liters of luggage space (put the rear seats down and that number becomes 1,470 liters).

Standard equipment on both engine choices will include Seat’s Media System Touch, air conditioning, and power windows and power wing mirrors. The Style trim (available again with both engines) adds things like 16-inch alloy wheels, Media System Touch Colour, a leather steering wheel and cruise control. The FR trim (2.0-liter only) reinforces the sporty character of the Leon ST 4Drive with a particularly powerful front and rear design, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sporty suspension.

No picture material available yet, but the 4Drive shouldn’t look any different from the standard ST.

Source: Seat

January 16, 2014

2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82 – US Price $62,000 and $64,200

BMW North America has officially announced the pricing of the 2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82. The sedan starts from just $62,000, while the Coupe is $64,200 (excluding $925 destination and handling tax).Both cars will be available in: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey, Yas Marina, Austin Yellow, Sakhir Orange and Silverstone.2014 BMW M3 and M4 are powered by 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 of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.Other performance modifications include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

January 16, 2014

VANSPORTS by Hartmann Present the Mercedes-Benz Citan MetroStream

VANSPORTS-Mercedes-Benz-Citan-shadow Well, here’s something different. VANSPORTS – which are, apparently, a derivative of Hartmann Tuning – have turned a normal Mercedes-Benz Citan into a hotshot delivery van. It’s a bit like a senior citizen wearing trainers and a side-ways baseball cap.

So, most of the modifications are courtesy to this “MetroStream design programme”. It consists of a redesigned front grille, new front bumper with sporty vents on it on it and a splitter, a rear diffuser, and side skirts even. Behind the curtains, a sport suspension kit lowers the Citan by with 25 mm. Best of all, though, is that VANSPORTS offer performance upgrades as well. Nothing too serious. Just some chip tuning, that’s all. The biggest Citan engine (the 111 CDI) can gain around 18 hp and 30 newton meters in torque. That’s 127 hp and 270 Nm of torque in total power. Cough in even more and you’ll get the VANSPORTS electronic accelerator pedal kit which supposedly improves engine feedback and response

VANSPORTS, as the name suggests, deals with vans, and transporters, and commercial vehicles, and such: Opel’s Nissans, Renaults, you name it. We think that’s kind of neat. Otherwise, what would delivery companies that want to step up their game do?

Someone’s at the door. Must be that thing we ordered from that other place 15 minutes ago.

Source: VANSPORTS

January 16, 2014

Mopar Modifies 2015 Chrysler 200

2015 Chrysler 200 made an official debut at Detroit Auto Show this week alongside its Mopar-modified version, which now is under our focus. More than 45 Mopar parts and accessories will be available for this Chrysler model in order to improve its production characteristics and make it even more exceptional and unique to every owner.

2015 Mopar Chrysler 200 which was on display at the show featured unique exterior enhancements. At a first glance what impresses the most is its one-of-a-kind exterior paint color, which makes the car look shiny and stands out. This was achieved thanks to the application of Lunar White Pearl Tri-coat color. In addition, to complement the striking exterior paint finish, the designers equipped the car with satin carbon 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The Chrysler 200 which was exhibited is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 unit that generates 295 horsepower (217 kW) and 355 Nm (262 lb.-ft.) of torque. Mopar also took car of the interior by tuning it with premium white leather. The latter wraps the seats, which were additionally accented with bronze stitching. Bronze accents also emphasize the bezels and the steering wheel, while Mopar floor mats round-out the perfect harmonic atmosphere in the coupe.

To be more precise, the Mopar products available for the exterior of this Chrysler’s model include Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System, wheels and wheel locks, locking fuel cap, Graphics Package, bicycle hitch receiver, Mopar wheel center caps, Emblem Kits, vehicle covers, production turn signal mirrors, engine block heater, 2.4-liter and master shield.

The interior enhancement parts, designed by Mopar for the car are: ambient lighting, Autonet Wi-Fi, Roadside Safety Kit, Emergency Kit/Tire repair, collapsible tote, cargo trunk net, molded cargo tray, door sill guards, In-Vehicle wireless charging, premium floor mats, slush floor mats and rear backup camera/mirror.

Source: Chrysler

January 16, 2014

2015 Subaru WRX STI – Highlights [video]

Subaru has published an interesting video showing some of the highlights of the all-new 2015 WRX STI. The model is exhibited at the 2014 NAIAS in Detroit and can be examined by the public there.

2015 Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged boxer engine – 309HP (227 kW) at 6,000RPM and 393Nm (290 lb-ft) at 4,000RPM, while the non-STI model has 272HP (200 kW) and 349Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque from a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo boxer. No performance data available, but the WRX needs around 5.0 seconds for 0-100 km/h and the STI even less.

Both engines are available only with upgraded 6-speed manual sending the power to the symmetrical all-wheel drive system featuring a driver-controlled multi-mode center mechanical differential.

2015 WRX STI comes with 18” alloy wheels fitted with 245/40 R18 performance tires. There is also a performance braking system as well as an inverted-strut front suspension. The new WRX STI is available only as a sedan and it is scheduled to hit the market in Spring.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H84X2ANdqDw

Source: Subaru

January 16, 2014

Nissan Unveils Sentra NISMO Concept

Nissan’s NISMO lineup of vehicles has been extended due to the addition of the Sentra NISMO Concept, which offers increased performance and design tuner elements, when compared to the bas Sentra model.

The concept is inspired by racing cars and therefore its exterior and interior features speak about this. Of course the enhanced aerodynamics are at hand, as well as the NISMO-tuned suspension, steering and transmission and the engaging motorsports-style cockpit.

Adding to this, Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept is equipped with 1.8-liter direct injection turbocharged powetrain which produces more than 240 horsepower (176 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

Enhanced exterior elements feature the deep front fascia with lower LED lights and wide lower grille, LED daytime running rights and upper grille, wide lower front spoiler, oversized fender flares and integrated side sills, deep-skirted rear fascia and large dual exhaust tips. What rounds-out the look is the custom made rear spoiler and center rear fog lamp.

The red accents which are signature for the NISMO models are featured in areas where aerodynamics have been highlighted. Such are the lower spoiler, side mirrors and side sills. At the front and rear are positioned the NISMO badges with signature matching red “O”.

The concept is decided in Bright Pearl White exterior paint, while the aerodynamic side door mirror covers, front splitter and rear diffuser are finished in a genuine carbon fiber diagonal pattern. The Black Chrome-finished mesh grille is surrounded by Dark Chrome.

The independent strut front and torsion beam rear suspension have been modified and were completed with custom performance shocks and springs. The car runs on 19-inch RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels matched with 225/35R19 Michelin Super Sport performance tires and red-painted 370Z brake calipers.

The interior of the car includes a variety of upgrades which are also racing-inspired. For instance such are the Recaro “Sportster” front seats with custom black leather and Alcantara appointments, rear seats with perforated black Alcantara, Alcantara wrapped pillars and headliner and the unique steering wheel.

The latter is wrapped in red leather and Alcantara and features matching shift knob and shifter lever boot surround. The instrument cluster has gotten a satin carbon fiber finish, while on all chrome accents is applied Dark Chrome finish.

Source: Nissan

January 16, 2014

2015 Chrysler 200 Convertible [render]

Theophiluschin has published two render pictures of Chrysler 200 Convertible. The model reminds to Opel Cascada, but still it has a lot of different. The Chrysler 200 Convertible will be a direct rival to Audi A3 Convertible, Opel Cascada and possible BMW 2-Series Convertible. Still, the 200 open-top is expected to be a lot cheaper than those above.

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan was presented at the 2014 NAIAS. It is a 2.4 liter Tigershark four-cylinder – 184HP (137 kW) and 234Nm (173 lb-ft) of torque or a powerful 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 – 295HP (220 kW) and 355Nm (262 lb-ft). Regardless of the choice, the engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system. The 200 Convertible will probably has the same drivetrain variants.

2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan is priced at just $21,700 for the entry-level model and it will hit the market in Spring.

January 16, 2014

The Distinguished Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Design Concept

Infiniti-Q50-Eau-Rouge-Concept-Detroit-2014-shadow NAIAS attendees have the benefit of a full view of the fancy named Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept*. It’s a design concept so it’s all about the looks and drama.

It’s only 20 millimetres wider and a bit lower than your average Q50, yet Infiniti are adamant that the only elements retained from the original are the front doors and the roof pillars. In other words, every other body panel has been replaced. Just to be sure that the Eau Rouge really does stand out from the commons, Infinity have went for a customized red coating and dark-chrome framing. The latter applies to the double-arch front grille, the glasshouse surrounds, the door handles and the deck lid accents.

Inside, there’s a “high-grip” steering wheel flanked by two paddle-shifters. The red accent makes its way into the interior as carbon fiber inserts on the doors, and the center console, while, again, dark-chrome replaces all that which used to be silver-chrome.

If they were ever to build the Rouge, Infiniti envision a forced induction 500+ bhp power plant nestled in the engine bay:

“Through our various alliance partners we have access to a range of engines featuring this performance capability which, with a fair amount of engineering effort, can be developed to exhibit Infiniti character…” comments Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.

There’s also a projected torque value of 600 lb-ft. That’s quite a lot, could the real-life Eau Rouge end up baring a diesel heart?

*Eau Rouge is actually the name of a very specific corner at the Belgian Spa-Francorchamps race circuit.

Source: Infiniti

January 16, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Offers Sportier Look

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe was brand’s highlight at the North American International Show in Detroit. The luxury coupe is designed with a new lightweight and stiffer structure, and will be offered as a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive variant.

ATS Coupe carries the same wheelbase its predecessor, but has unique roof, doors, rear fenders and trunk lid. Also specific for the MY2015 model are the front fascia and front fenders that contribute towards vehicle’s wider track.

More aggressive stance of the car is given also by the improved short overhangs and sheet metal that wrap tautly around the tires. The car rides on 18-inch wheels which come as a standard on all trim levels.

Other design features regarding the exterior, are the optional LED headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting. Performance and Premium trims feature illuminating outside door handles, while all models come as a standard with LED taillamps and rear-center stop lamp. ATS Coupe also includes also capless fueling.

Inside, the luxury car features a driver-focused cabin with handcrafted cut-and-sewn upholstered interior combinations, decorative stitching and materials such as leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and wood. There are also a lot of optional interior features such as:

OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity with natural voice recognition
Text-to-voice
USB, auxiliary and SD memory card ports
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Reconfigurable 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display
Full-color reconfigurable head-up display

As a standard the ATS Coupe is fitted with Bose premium audio system with Active Noise Cancelation technology. Option here on Standard and Luxury trims are the 12-speaker surround sound upgrade and the navigation system. However, they come as a standard in Performance and Premium collections.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe will be offered with the choice of two engines: the standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and the available 3.6L V-6. The first can generate 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm), while the second – 321 horsepower (239 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm).

Both powertrains are equipped with direct injection and dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing, which results in enhanced power and efficiency, and reduced emissions. Each powertrain is coupled with Hydra-Matic 6L45 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control. The six-speed manual one is featured as an option in the 2.0L Turbo engine equipped cars.

The elements that contribute to vehicle’s balanced performance and responsive characteristics are the following:

50/50 weight balance and low center of gravity
Five-link independent rear suspension featuring lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs
A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar
Underbody aerodynamic shields
Premium, belt-driven electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems
Brembo front brakes
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels
Available all-wheel drive

2015 ATS Coupe can be also fitted optionally with driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension, that feartures Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential, high-capacity engine cooling system and 18-inch summer-performance tires.

In terms of safety technologies, this Cadillac model features two cameras, eight ultrasonic sensors and six radar signals to help prevent crashes. The crash-avoidance systems, such as automatic braking, can pre-fill and automatically apply braking in response to potential hazards, while the Fr ont and Rear Automatic Braking, relies on radar, camera and ultrasonic technology to help prevent front and rear low-speed collisions.

The brand also offers Driver Awareness and Driver Assist Packages. The first one consists of the following features: Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Intellibeam high-beam control, Front and rear park assist, Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines.

The Driver Assist package builds upon the previous package and adds also: Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Collision Preparation, motorized safety belts, Electronic Park Brake, Front and Rear Automatic Braking, Enhanced Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, full-color head-up display.

As a standard, the cars include safety features such as eight air bags, safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with full-function traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, patented rotor coating protection and auto-dry functionality. 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe will be available in dealerships this summer.

Source: Cadillac

January 16, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept Closer To Reality At Detroit

Volkswagen-Beetle-Dune-Concept-shadow A sketch just a week ago, reality toady: the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept reveals itself to the world in Detroit at the 2014 North American Auto Show. It’s also closer to production than ever. So get your sunscreen and prepare for the amazing sandboarding session you’ve always dreamed of.

Why do we think the Dune is close to production? Well, it’s pretty much a Beetle. A beefed up one but, nevertheless, a Beetle. It sits 50 mm higher from the ground than the standard counterparts, It has four aggressively flaring wheel arches that widen the body by 24 mm on each side (that’s a total width of 1,856 mm. Consequently, both of the Dune’s tracks get a 29 mm advantage over the standard ones. A track width, then, of 1,607 mm at the front and 1,573 mm at the rear. It sits on four 19-inch wheels wearing 255/45 tires. Main point: even more ruggedness!

There are some visual gimmicks that no concept goes without, but they are very minimal. Things like the front bumper honeycomb air intakes, LED turn indicators. Then there’s the back which hosts two spoilers that have been specially designed to accommodate a pair of skis… for sand, apparently.

A very real part of the car, however, is its turbocharged 210 hp engine, which we suspect may have been lifted from a Golf GTI and mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox. Here are some actual figures: 0 to 62 mph gets done in 7.5 seconds; a top speed of 141 mph is “feasible”; and a fuel economy of 23 mpg (city) or 29 mpg (highway). An interesting engineering choice, though, is the FWD setup. It’s called the Dune, people, how do you tackle the sandy stretches?

Also, inside things have been left production-friendly. The only Dune-specific interior bit is the additional passenger grab handle in place of the glove-box. You’ll have a hard time noticing it anyway, since there’s a 7.7-inch touchscreen display dominating the center console.

Source: Volkswagen

January 15, 2014

OK-Chiptuning Porsche 911 GT2

OK-Tuning has presented their performance package for the mighty Porsche 911 (997) GT2. The sports car comes with a lot of performance upgrades as well as engine boost.

Some of the performance parts are new carbon-ceramic brake system, a roll cage and an Akrapovic racing exhaust system including manifolds and sport catalysts. Last, but not least OK-Tuning fitted the tuned GT2 with modified GT2 RS intercoolers.

The interior boasts carbon and Alcantara trim, racing bucket seats and fire extinguisher.

The twin-turbo 3.6 liter twin-turbo flat-six is boosted to 680HP (500 kW) and 880Nm (652 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 150HP and 200Nm over the standard model. 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 100-200 km/h takes 5.1 seconds and 100-300 km/h in 18 seconds.

Other highlights include OZ Ultraleggera HLT wheels fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires and new LED taillights.

Pricing for OK Remapping starts from €3,500.