Automobiles Review – Page 618 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race and Road Cars

Porsche has introduced 2014 911 GT3 Cup Race Car and Road model as well. The new 911 GT3 Cup is the latest edition of the best-selling racing car of all time, having been built in a production series of more than 2,000 since 1998.

The new 991 911 GT3 Cup Racer is based on the 911 GT3 road car. It is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six – 460HP (338 kW) at 7,500RPM – an increase of 10HP compared. The engine is mated to a 6-speed dog-box developed by Porsche Motorsport sending the power to the rear-wheels.

First run in 2003, the Carrera Cup GB is Britain’s fastest single marque GT racing series and has a permanent position as prime support to the British Touring Car Championship. Full details about the Carrera Cup GB will be available from the Porsche stand and Championship representatives will be on hand throughout the Show to take enquiries.

The 2014 schedule includes a sensational date on the morning of the Le Mans 24 Hours race in June, when the Carrera Cup GB will run alongside the Carrera Cup France as the prime support of the famous French endurance sports car race.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Road Car is priced from £100,540. It comes with a highly specialized performance drivetrain comprising a 3.8-litre flat engine developing 475HP (350 kW) at 8,250RPM, a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, and high traction rear-wheel drive. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 12 seconds. The lap time on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife is even more impressive: the new 911 GT3 completed this track, commonly regarded as the most difficult in the world, in less than 7:30 minutes.

Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering for the first time. Depending on the speed, the system steers in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels, thereby improving agility and stability. Among the other new driving dynamics features are the electronically-controlled, fully variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts.

The height, toe and camber of the newly-developed all-aluminium suspension is still adjustable. There are also new 20” forged alloy wheels with central locking used for optimal contact with the road.

Traditionally, the 911 GT3 comes as a two-seater based on the lightweight body of the current-generation 911 Carrera. However, the front and rear part are always model-specific. For this latest generation, the 911 GT3 is 44 mm wider than a 911 Carrera S across the rear axle. Another clear identifying feature is the large, fixed rear wing. This makes a decisive contribution to the exemplary aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3, which combines low air resistance with a further increase in downforce.

Source: Porsche

January 9, 2014

Vilner Transforms BMW 750 V12

BMW 750 V12 is undoubtedly emblematic! With its V12 engine it was introduced back in 1987 when it changed the conception of how things in the automotive industry should be. Now, this BMW model is ready to be introduced for the second time thanks to Art Studio Vilner’s exceptional work.

Although the exterior has been kept almost intact, Vilner BMW 750 V12 is a car we must review! The goal of the tuners was to keep the original and classic view of the car, but at the same time to revive it.

The elements added in terms of exterior modification are the following: daylight-running lights incorporated in the halogens, rear wing mounted over the boot and the most striking addition of all – the massive 19 inch Z-Performance Wheels.

We are familiar that regarding the interior there are not so many tuning companies which can do it as good as Vilner. Inside, the BMW 750 V12 has been covered with leather and Alcantara. Precisely, the grey Alcantara was used for the ceiling, sunshades and rearview mirror. In fact, all of the plastic elements were wrapped in this material.

The dashboard has been dressed in grey leather as well as the mechanisms of the belts. There can also be seen a contrast decorative stitching in white on the doors and the seats. Black piano varnish was applied on the elements on the dashboard, door strips, center console, gear-shift lever, on the steering wheel as well as on the back of the seats. As a matter of fact, the steering wheel was entirely reworked and now sports more ergonomically enhanced and sporty design.

January 9, 2014

2014 Nissan Leaf – US Price

Nissan US has announced the pricing of 2014 LEAF starting from $28,980 for the S model. The 100% electric vehicle continues to offer outstanding value, with prices comparable to similar gasoline-powered cars after applicable tax credits.

2014 Nissan LEAF is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SL, along with option packages offering advanced systems such as Around View Monitor and 7-speaker Bose premium audio.

Enhancements for MY2014 include the addition of the RearView Monitor as standard equipment on all models (previously part of the Charge Package) and one new exterior color – Gun Metallic (seven total available colors).

The new driving range is rated at 84 miles and MPGe ratings are 126 in city, 101 on the highway and 114 on combined cycle.

MSRP for the 2014 Nissan LEAF are:

LEAF S	$28,980 USD
LEAF SV	$32,000 USD
LEAF SL	$35,020 USD

Destination and Handling $850 USD

Source: Nissan

January 9, 2014

2015 Lexus RC F Revealed Ahead Of NAIAS Debut

2015 Lexus RC F is here! Since it has been kept in secret for a month already, it is now clear that the “F” model is based on the RC coupe. The latter was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last November and now it is time for its more athletic sibling to stand under the lights.

The RC F coupe is styled to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. It has wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and available carbon fiber components.

The front of the RC F is dominated by the signature Lexus spindle grille from the bottom of the hood to the lower lip. It features also a subtle F-pattern on the lower half. The hood is higher than that of the RC because it accommodates the larger V8 engine. This of course also results in more powerful flared profile. Ducts beneath the front bumper, fenders, and strategically-placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins are also present.

At the rear of the front fender air outlets form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions. In addition, stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes give more aggressive style to the rear. There can be also seen an active speed-sensitive rear spoiler. The last element that needs to be mentioned here is the wing which helps the RC F maintain traction and stability at higher speeds. The car can be equipped with three variants of 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminum wheel.

Inside, the car is as striking as outside. Some of the highlights here include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central meter which changes according to the four selectable driving modes.

The steering-wheel makes a debut in this car, because this is the first Lexus-elliptical cross-section thick-grip steering wheel. It has optimum placement of paddle gear shifts. The seats will be offered in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching. The back seats are embossed with F on the headrests.

2015 Lexus RC F will be revealed at a press conference at the 2014 North American International Motor Show on 14th of January.

Source: Lexus

January 9, 2014

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept To Be Shown At NAIAS

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept is one of brand’s vehicles which are going to be presented at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In fact, with this car Volkswagen aims to show just how fuel-efficient a non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedan can be.

The vehicle is based on the current Passat which was developed specifically for North America. The BlueMotion label signifies that this version has the best efficiency in the model lineup. The efficient fuel consumption can be attributed to Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter EA211 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging. The unit delivers 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

What is more, this Passat also offers Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, which deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three. This happens in situations when the driver only applies light throttle pressure to maintain specific city speeds.

Another fuel-saving option included in this car is the DSG transmission. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, it decouples the engine. This allows the Passat to roll with the lowest possible mechanical drag from the other moving components.

Other technology which contributes for the maximum efficiency here is the stop/start system, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a temporary stop. All in all, these technologies deliver manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.

At last, it is worth mentioning the striking new color, which Volkswagen has specifically developed for this model – the Reef Blue Metallic color. The latter will be also available on other Passat models on a later time.

In the interior, there are featured two-tone seats that carry blue dividing lines between the darker and lighter leather seating surfaces. The stitching shows that this car is a member of the BlueMotion family.

Source: Volkswagen

January 9, 2014

Sienna Miller Really Likes The 2015 Ford Mustang [VIDEO]

2015-Ford-Mustang-Sienna-Miller-Spot-shadow A timeless commercial formula: women plus cars make the world go round. Or is that just us being dizzy?

It’s not all unapologetic marketing though. You have the ridiculously gorgeous British actress/model/fashion designer Sienna Miller next to an American icon (which, apparently, has an American accent): the 2015 Ford Mustang . Isn’t that a metaphorical bridge between two continents that have been wedged by the Atlantic for far too long? A symbol of unity and globalization, tolerance and cooperati…okay, it’s shameless marketing all the way.

Just look at it. Things get steamy pretty quickly. I recall thinking while watching : “Did that volume knob really need such sensual treatment?… Are we really going to go with the hand-brake shot? Ok…Gotta check that make up in the mirror, very important!… Really, Ford! Just give the woman the keys and let her drive!”

Wonder how many feminists punched a wall after seeing that.

P.S. – you know you spend too much time with cars when you flinch at the nonchalant kick (0:28th mark) or think: “That’s going to leave fingerprints” (circa 0:37th mark).

httpv://youtu.be/qDgF0yJq9-U

Video source: fordeurope via YouTube

January 8, 2014

Volvo Concept XC Coupé Is Out

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-shadow Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium Volvo are fairly certain that their target audience for the Concept XC Coupe – which, by the way, is now sort of official – comprises of individuals with an active lifestyle. So about six or seven people?

That, apparently, explains the “orange details and exterior graphics” inspired by the POC, a Swedish company which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. Hard to lose it in a snow storm then.

The second-out-of-three concepts based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture – that is, the XC Coupe – is pretty much like the first one, except for the bigger 21-inch wheels, and flaring wheel arches and the higher roofline. It’s almost as if, Volvo are scared to say S-U-V. The design team has only “given” the XC traditional “SUV elements” – side moldings and skid plates.

Other things by which you can distinguish it from your everyday school-runner: a “floating” grille, headlights with T-shaped DRL guides and rear-lights that run all the way through the C-pillars. No word on any performance features. A close inspection, however, reveals an orange script on one of the fenders: “plug in hybrid”.

“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group.

To be honest, despite having a bit of a grudge with sports utility vehicles in general, we are particularly fond of the design happening here.

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium-2

Source: Volvo

January 8, 2014

2015 Subaru WRX STI [leak pictures]

Several leak pictures of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI has been published online by autos.terra.mx. The sports saloon is confirmed for 2014 NAIAS in Detroit, this month.

2015 Subaru WRX STI comes with full body kit including new front and rear bumpers, the typical World Rally Blue matched with golden alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The regular WRX model is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder boxer with 272HP (200 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, while the WRX STI is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer – 305HP (224 kW) and 393Nm (290 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for full details, HD pictures and pricing!

January 8, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition – US Price $21,295

Volkswagen has announced the 2014 Jetta TDI Value Edition for the US. It is based on the Jetta S specification and comes with more additional equipment.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition is priced from $21,295. It is fitted with a 2.0 liter TDI Clean Diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is able to return 42 mpg US – 5.6 liters / 100 km on the highway. For additional $1,100 USD it can be configured with a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox.

The standard equipment includes 16” steel wheels, electric power steering, heated front seats, cruise control, two more speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Media Device Interface (MDI).

Last, but not least, the 2014 Jetta has been awarded with a 5-star rating by NTHSA.

p.s. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 pictured

Source: Volkswagen

January 8, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 To Produce 620 Horsepower

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is gong to have its official full reveal at the North American International Auto Show in a week. A teaser image of the newcomer was revealed by Chevrolet in the beginning of December. In addition, back then it was also announced that the Z06 will be the most track-capable Corvette ever.

Since these promises were made a month ago, the American brand obviously didn’t manage to keep the secret about Corvette Z06’s performance figures. And luckily for all fans, the output figures of the muscle car have already leaked.

It is currently being rumored over the web that the forthcoming Corvette will be able to develop the astonishing 620 horsepower (455 kW) and 650 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. This means that the car will add almost 200 hp over the 450 hp and 200 lb-ft over the 450 lb-ft of torque of the base Corvette.

With the official debut of the car next week, we are to see it in its full glory. In Detroit we are also to see the other details around the vehicle including acceleration figures weight and much more. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will go on sale by the end of next year.

January 8, 2014

Seat Reveals Leon Cupra And Leon Cupra 280

The quickest and most powerful series production car in Seat’s range is finally here. Seat Leon Cupra 280 is the top car of a five-strong family. It is capable of achieving less than 6 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, while at the same time managing to deliver 44.1 mpg fuel consumption on average.

Leon Cupra comes as standard with a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). The new Leon is built on a new chassis and has a wider front track and entirely independent front and rear suspension.

In other words Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 offer power, performance and dynamics. For example the Cupra 280, with optional DSG transmission, accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. The top speed is 155 mph.

The maximum torque of both models is 350 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 5,300 rpm. At the same time, the cars manage to deliver average fuel consumption of only 44.1 mpg and CO2 figures of just 149 g/km and 155 g/km.

Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 are equipped with 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine which delivers 265 hp (195 kW) and 280 hp (205 kW), respectively. The unit is packed with dual-injection system which combines direct injection with manifold injection under partial load. This serves in terms of fuel economy optimization and reduces particulate emissions. In addition, the efficiency package of the Cupra also features Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems.

The impressive dynamics of the model rely on the low weight and a stiff structure. With DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering, the vehicles can deliver now faster acceleration and dynamism.

Furthermore, the new front-axle differential lock improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. In addition, this system also eliminates torque steer. Progressive steering system is also included as a standard here. It enhances agile handling of the car.

Seat Leon Cupra also features new design. Precisely, its front end now features large air intakes and full-LED headlamps, while at the rear one can see rear diffuser and two oval end pipes. The car runs on exclusive 19-inch wheels alloy wheels with a titanium paint finish, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows highlight additionally its individuality.

Inside, the Cupra features unique sports steering wheel with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission. There can also be seen the sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching. As an option, Seat offers black full-leather upholstery with white stitching. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.

The Aerodynamic Pack offered for the model comprises of a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are decided in deep glossy black.

Seat Leon Range:

Model	Doors	Engine	PS	Combined mpg	CO2g/km	0-62 mph	Top speed	VED band

SC Cupra	3	2.0 TSI	265	44.1	149	5.9	155	F
SC Cupra 280	3	2.0 TSI	280	44.1	149	5.8	155	F
SC Cupra 280 DSG	3	2.0 TSI	280	42.2	155	5.7	155	G
Cupra 280	5	2.0 TSI	280	44.1	149	5.8	155	F
Cupra 280 DSG	5	2.0 TSI	280	42.2	155	5.7	155	G

Source: Seat

January 8, 2014

Audi TT With New Interior Design

Audi has just revealed the future interior of its TT model which promises to be “puristic”, sporty and fully focused on the driver. The interior design is to be shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and is promised to be launched on the market in the course of the year.

To be more precise, Audi virtual cockpit is the focus of attention here. This includes fully digital instrument cluster which shows all the information directly in front of the driver, meaning that there is no need for a central MMI monitor.

This is a very convenient solution because it gave the designers the freedom to slim down the instrument panel architecture such that it visually conveys the Audi lightweight construction principle. In other words, the interior sports clear lines and offers innovative technologies, and has been redesigned entirely.

In addition, Audi’s virtual cockpit also features 12.3-inch TFT monitor. Drivers can switch between two display modes: classic view and infotainment mode. The first one brings on the foreground the speedometer and rev counter, while in the second mode, the virtual instruments are smaller which leaves space for functions such as the navigation map.

All elements of the Audi TT operating concept are focused on the driver. Another example for this is the TT’s multifunction steering wheel which includes a flat-bottomed rim, with aluminum-look clips framing its spokes. The buttons and controls are positioned on the spokes.

Thanks to the MMI on the other hand, all the main functions are just in few clicks away. It also allows the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and on maps. Other innovations throughout the new interior feature S sport seats with significantly curved side bolsters, integrated headrests and low seating position.

All in all, the new Audi TT’s cockpit will offer in the future clear and sharp lines, and it will perfectly express vehicle’s sporty nature. Everything in the interior shows Audi’s attention to quality: from the design of the gear knob and the precise functioning of the rotary pushbutton to the Audi virtual cockpit.

Source: Audi

January 8, 2014

Blog