Automobiles Review – Page 616 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Bentley Introduce Mulsanne Birkin Limited Edition

Bentley-Mulsanne-Birkin-Limeted-Edition-shadow For those of you who feel that the Bentley Mulsanne is just not exclusive enough there is a solution. It’s the brand new limited edition of the flagship car: the Birkin Mulsanne.

Birkin is the name of Sir Henry ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin – a legendary figure of the 20s and 30s. He was considered as the embodiment of the British gentleman racer. More importantly, though, he was a Bentley Boy – always on the track, working with engineers, pushing the limits of what was possible. It was on his insistence, for example, to put a supercharger on the 1928 ‘Blower’ Bentley bringing the power up from 130 to 242 hp

So you might be wondering how did Bentley modify the Mulsanne as to pay tribute to Birkin. Well, apparently, they’ve spec-ed it the way he would have. Not sure if they had Drive Dynamics Control systems back then, but the Birkin Mulsanne sure does have one. The base model for the Birkin limited edition employs the Mulliner Driving Specification, hence the sport mode of operation.

Additionally, as part of the program, the interior boasts diamond quilting patterns on the seats and door panels and leather headlining and “knurling” details on the metalwork. The headrests have 3D “Flying B” logos stitched on them and the door sill plaques have inscribed number of the limited edition model on them (22 available units in total). At the rear two 8-inch LCD screens glare at you from the back of the front headrests. There’s also a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.

Lastly, on the outside, you would recognize a Birkin Mulsanne by its color. It’s going to be either a “Ghost White”, “Damson”, or a contrast of “Fountain Blue and Dark Saphire”. 21-inch wheels are a given.

Too bad Bentley decided that Birkin wouldn’t want any more power on the Mulsanne, because the limited features end here. Bentley-Mulsanne-Birkin-Limeted-Edition-medium-2

Source: Bentley

January 14, 2014

BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf VII GTI Plus

BBM Motorsport has presented their latest project based on the hot hatchback – Volkswagen Golf VII GTI. The tuning company of Senden, Germany fitted the car with both styling and performance upgrades.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder TFSI engine is boosted to 300HP (221 kW) at 6,100RPM and 440Nm (326 lb-ft) of torque at 2,150RPM. This is an increase of 70HP and 90Nm thanks to a new sports exhaust system and an ECU-remap.

Other performance upgrades include by Stoptech braking system with 328 x 25 mm four-piston fix calipers. There are also DDC coilovers from KW with electronic hardness regulation and 20 to 55 mm lowering of the vehicle.

The styling upgrades are a set of BBS 19” CH-R type rims finished in titan gray paint and fitted with ultra-low profile tires. There is also an exhaust system with 100 mm end pipes and complete foliation by SFT Carwrap Ibbenbueren, Germany.

Source: BBM Motorsport

January 14, 2014

Vorsteiner And An Orange BMW E82 1M Coupe

Vorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-shadow Vorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-medium Remember that Vorsteiner kit for the BMW 1M Coupe? Well, now we get to see it in its full glory in this latest photo shoot. Mmm…sweet orange bliss.

All additional body parts are made with Vorsteiner’s trademark autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber. The front is a bit of a handful with all its distortions and whatnot, but apparently all is in the name of aerodynamics. The fins on both of the side extremities are supposed to channel cooling air to the front brakes. The trunk lid has been replaced entirely to save a few pounds (it now adds only 11.5 lbs to the overall curb weight). It also has a barely noticeable integrated lip spoiler at its very end.

The custom-made exhaust system comes in either stainless steel or titanium and gives a small jolt of additional power so that the 1M now has 350 hp and 337 lb-ft of torque.

And what about the wheels? They seem to be the same VS-400s that were quoted in the program, but the tires on this one read 245/35ZR19. That means they must have downsized a bit from the initial measures. That is, ether 20 or 21 inches.

Still, we can’t complain. It all looks pretty appealing.

Source: Vorsteiner

January 13, 2014

DMC Impress With Bentley Continental GT DURO China Edition

DMC-Bentley-GT-DURO-China-Edition-shadow DMC have a weakness for British exotics, and their latest revelation seems to support that. It’s a Continental GT called the DURO on the streets of China. Hence, the China Edition tag as well.

To start off, there’s a really cool bumper at the front. It fits all models from 2012 on. With it the Continental is 2-inches longer than it would normally be. A closer inspection should reveal a pair of daylight running LEDs as well. Moving on to the side view, we find new side skirts that are actual winglets. They work for us visually, but are they any good in improving the aerodynamics. DMC seems to think so. The rear bumper is also new: more muscular, carbon fibery, it’s supposed to really leave an impression. The carbon fiber diffuser bellow adds even more downforce. Let’s not forge to mention the diamond-forged 22-inch rims all wrapped in 295/25R22 tires. Compared to the silvery paint of the China Edition, these wheels with their matte black finish look like black wholes ready to suck you in.

It’s not all show and no go though. Well, it never was (it’s a Continental GT for goodness sake), but GMC have added even more power. Because of the titanium exhaust system, the sport air filters and the optimized electronics, the DURU’s power output has been rated at 672 hp and 780 Nm of torque. DMC’s estimates on the 0 to 60 acceleration read 4.5 seconds. The new top speed: 202 mph. Ouch!

Source: DMC

January 13, 2014

Audi Shooting Brake Allroad Concept Debut at NAIAS

Audi-allroad-shooting-brake-show-car-shadow The mysterious Audi NAIAS Show concept has been revealed. It’s a compact crossover allroad shooting brake thing that is, apparently, very “functional for recreational sports” and a “concrete look into the near future”. Now, where have we heard that before?

It also has something called “sex appeal” according to Prof. Dr Ulrich Hackenberg who is a Member of the Board of AUDI AG. Technical Development. Must be related to those short overhangs, or the double LED rings within the front lights playing the part of quattro legacy in the flesh, or the succulent aluminum underbody at the raar. Erhm, let’s not get too carried away here. The body is a blend of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum. The wheels too (255/40 tires, 19-inch) are CFRP. All that space technology has brought down the weight to just 1600 kg-ish.

Sure it’s compact – measuring at 4.20 meters from end to end, 1.85 meters long and 1.41 meters wide – the Ice Blue Audi NAIAS concept contains a complex hybrid drive system. It has an already powerful 2.0-liter TFSI engine that boasts 292 hp and 380 Nm of torque, it has a disk-shaped electric motor supplementing the said TFSI with 40 Kw of power and 270 Nm of torque, and a second electric motor which works independently on the rear axle. The total output amounts to 400 hp and 650 Nm of torque. That’s 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph. All the while, you get back 123 mpg and 45 g/km of CO2 emissions based on the ECE standard if you don’t put your foot down.

The e-S tronic dual clutch transmission sends the combined power output of the TFSI and the disc-shaped motor to the front wheels only. The third electric motor at the back runs only when the allroad is in EV mode (purely electric), in Sport mode, or when the on-board systems decides that AWD is needed. Consequently, Audi have called the system “e-tron quattro”. There’s also a Hybrid mode which regulates all three sources accordingly in order to achieve the best milage. If needed, the disk-shaped motor can act as a generator, charging the 8.8 kWh battery pack, which stands right in front of the rear axle.

All that clever stuff, is an extension of the interior really. You’ve got Audi’s MMI terminal with its 12.3-inch screen, a comprehensive instrument panel which displays with varying (depending on the mode of driving) priorities the speedometer, the powermeter, the navigation map, and the tachometer. The interior is also a nice place to be in in general. So they tell us.

Audi-allroad-shooting-brake-show-car-medium-2

Source: Audi

January 13, 2014

Toyota FT-1 Concept – The Ultimate Sports Coupe

Toyota has presented the ultimate sports coupe – FT-1 Concept. It breaks cover at the Detroit Motor Show, today. The new FT-1 concept is the result of Toyota’s Calty design studio, which aims to create the perfect sports car.

The exterior boasts a curvilinear form, pronounced front wings and sharply defined contrasts that express powerful performance. The FT-1’s optimum aerodynamic qualities are communicated by its large air intakes, exhaust ports and retractable rear wing.

As all real sport cars, the FT-1 has front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, which alloys the cockpit to be set further the rear of the car, within the wheelbase, helping improve weight distribution and create classic sports car proportions.

There are no pictures of the interior, but FT-1 will feature a delta-shaped display zone, a Formula 1-style steering wheel and a colour head-up display that projects key information just above the wheel. The designers have pushed the A-pillars as far back as possible, to increase visibility when cornering.

Stay tuned for more info!

Source: Toyota

January 13, 2014

2015 Chrysler 200 – Nice and Affordable

Chrysler has officially unveiled the new 200 model, which will make its official public debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. It boasts segment-first standard 9-speed automatic transmission, innovative AWD system, choice of two power units and outstanding economy.

The exterior is more refined than its predecessor and it features a slender grille that is flanked by LED-infused headlights. There is also a rakish windscreen, a sloping roof and elegant bodywork. Other highlights include a trunk lid spoiler and 17” to 19” alloy wheels.

The engine range includes 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.

2015 Chrysler 200 is practically a redesigned Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so it offers “exceptional driving dynamics and agility”.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan delivers drivers a beautiful, well-crafted, smart sedan with good driving dynamics and is loaded with features that will surprise and delight both drivers and passengers – it’s everything a customer wants at a price they can afford.

Source: Chrysler

January 13, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 [video]

Ford has finally unveiled the new tougher, smarter and more capable 2015 F-150. The pick-up truck is set to debut at the North American International Auto Show. It boasts a super lightweight, four engines in the range and 11 new class-exclusive features.

The exterior features include new front fascia with prominent grille and revised headlights. There is also a rounded fender flares and a tailgate with an integrated spoiler. It draws styling cues from 2015 F-Series Super Duty.

The interior comes with better materials and new technologies. It can be offered with SYNC, MyFord Touch and an 8” “productivity screen” in the instrument cluster as well as a rear view camera, trailer brake controller, a 360-degree camera system and high-wattage power outlets.

Some of the useful extras include a bed with integrated loading ramps and a “smart trailer tow module” which can “inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues including burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults.” There is also a trailer hitch assist, LED bed lights, a remote tailgate and a BoxLink system with metal brackets and custom cottagers for securing cargo.

The 2015 F-150 adopts a fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel. The result is epic weight saving of up to 700 lbs (317 kg), which means that the new F-150 is more agile, faster and more economical.

The engine range includes a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter V6 and a 5.0 liter Ti-VCT V8.

2015 Ford F-150 is expected to hit the market later this year. It will be available in five trim levels – XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Other upgrades are a chrome appearance package, a sport appearance package and an FX4 off-road package.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRs-WIalD7w

Source: Ford

January 13, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 [Leak Images]

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is definitely a hot topic, since the first images of the car have already leaked. Last week there was also an unofficial data release of the horsepower that the car will develop and now it seems like the brand has failed to keep intact the secret of the visual appearance of the car.

Precisely, it is rumored that the Corvette Z06 will produce 620 horsepower (455 kW) and 650 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. This means that the new model will add 200 hp (147 kW) when compared to the base one, as well as 200 lb-ft of torque. Of course, this also leads to the logical conclusion that Z06 will be equipped with plenty of aero elements … and so it is.

Observing the leaked pictures, we can undoubtedly confirm that the exterior of the car will sport elements that can make the rumored 620 hp reality. Such are for instance the deeply vented hood, the front splitter, the additional cooling vents in the fender, the rear quarter and the large rear spoiler.

Luckily enough, the pictures that were going around the web show also some of the interior of the car. We see an exclusive black-leather used inside which is adorned with white stitching. What is more, we also see an extensive utilization of carbon fiber.

On the instrument panel at the high end of the tachometer there is a “P” on the display. And the most interesting thing we can spot is that the gear-shift is entirely different from the seven-speed speed one of the production Corvette. Will it be manual or automatic?

We are extremely excited to see what Chevrolet’s official specifications and pictures will be when 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 debuts at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

Source: www.jalopnik.com

January 13, 2014

2014 Dodge SRT Viper Stryker Green Debuts At Detroit Auto Show

2014 Dodge SRT Viper gets a new Stryker Green and definitely looks amazing. The car was just shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As a matter of fact, the new “Stryker Green” is a tribute of the iconic Snakeskin Green exterior color. The latter was introduced in 2008 and featured enhanced green and yellow pigments and a “liquid mercury” appearance.

The brand revealed that the application of the new exterior paint is a very detailed and intricate process and it takes eight hours to complete. The initial step in it begins with a base color coat followed by a green-tinted mid-coat and finishes with a clear finish. The result is that the paint additionally brings out the depth and curvature of the Viper’s exterior design.

This makes the color the perfect choice for those who want to take make their SRT Viper more exclusive and dramatic. Another debut which we see on this Dodge model is the Grand Touring (GT) special package. It includes Nappa leather seats, five-mode Electronic Stability Control and the two-mode Bilstein DampTronic Select suspension.

What is more, the shown Viper at the show has been Moparized with lightweight carbon fiber components with an exposed carbon fiber performance X-Brace. The result is almost 50 percent weight savings, but at the same time with the same strength and functional stiffness as the production version.

Furthermore, a prototype aero package has been fitted to the show car with a Mopar carbon fiber rear wing and extended front corner splitters. SRT will limit the GT option package only to the new Stryker Green and Venom Black exterior colors. Stryker Green exterior color will be offered on Viper GTS and SRT from this February.

Source: Dodge

January 13, 2014

Subaru Reveals WRX STI Racecar [VIDEO]

Subaru Motorsport has revealed the WRX STI Racecar car which will compete in the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race this year. The popular race will take place between 19th and 22nd of June in Germany.

The car is an enhanced version on the 2015 Subaru WRX STI. Although we have seen already the image leak of the latter, 2015 WRX STI is to be revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, so we are expecting more details to be announced.

Subaru WRX STI Racecar boasts a higher level of competitiveness and it has been equipped with technologies of brand’s mass-produced models. The ultimate goal is to win a third victory in the SP3T class this year following the 24-hour race in 2012. To do that, it will substitute the turbocharged 1.75 liter engine to 2.0 liter.

Team manager will be Hideharu Tatsumi, while for team drivers has been chosen Toshihiro Yoshida and Kouta Sasaki both from Japan.

httpv://youtu.be/T9O9QVoxgM0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Subaru

January 13, 2014

Rieger’s Audi A5 Sportback Bringing The RS Spirit

Rieger-Audi-A5-Sportback-shadow Rieger-Audi-A5-Sportback-medium Look at what we stumbled upon. It’s a pre-facelift Audi A5 Sportback. And hey, it’s been touched up by Rieger! Say hello to a tuning program that involves quite a few visual upgrades and some performance tweaks.

Initially, we were a bit perplexed. Looking at the front grille, someone said, “Hold on a minute. Sportbacks don’t come in RS form” Nope, they don’t. Rieger offer front bumpers and grills that basically belong to the RS. The Sportback has also been treated by some new side skirts and a rear apron. There’s still space, though, for the four custom exhaust tips which measure at 115x85mm each.

H&R sports springs bring the whole body closer to the ground and leave very little space below the wheel arches. That’s also partly because of the are humongous wheels: 10.5×21 in a beautiful design and tires with a barely visible profile (Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 275/25 R21).

Because this is a Sportsback, best case scenario dictates that it bares a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 boasting 329 hp at the least. Because Rieger have also thrown in an RS braking system, we are inclined to think that someone might have amped the power a bit, but we don’t really know for sure.

Source: Reiger

January 11, 2014

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