Automobiles Review – Page 625 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Toyota Verso With A BMW-Sourced Engine

2014-Toyota-Verso-shadow 2014-Toyota-Verso-medium The 2014 Toyota Verso comes with a new trim line. Why is the yearly update of a dreary Toyota people-carrier news? Because there’s also a new engine for it that’s come out of BMW

Usually, joint ventures seek the best of both worlds. Think of the Lamborghini Aventador – unsurpassed Italian flare charged with passion and beauty + an efficient Audi engine and a legacy-laden AWD drivetrain. This here, however, takes Toyota dependency and sturdiness, and mixes it with BMW…erm…dependency and sturdiness. Is this the automotive world’s version of the Inception?

So we are talking about a 1.6 D-4D diesel engine. It has 110 bhp and 270 Nm of torque that can be found between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. With it, the Verso gets from zero to sixty in 12.7 seconds which is okay, for an MPV anyway. With 62.8 mpg*, the new D-4D Verso is eight percent more economical than the previous one. CO2 emissions stand at 119 g/km*

Toyota had to do the tiresom job of actually fitting the Bavarian engine in the Verso. A newly developed dual-mass flywheel had to be installed, the engine mounts were revised and the whole electrical system was rewired. A six-speed manual transmission comes as a given, while a CVT is available with all but the first trim line (Active). There;s also a stop and start system – a first in the Verso line – designed in tune with the efficiency principles of Toyota Optimal Drive.

The new trim line gets slotted between the last and second-to-last Excel and Icon. It’s called the Trend and adds to the existing features 17-inch alloys, black C-Pillars plus Toyota Touch 2 with Go – a super high-res infotainment display that utilizes Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, and displays vehicle information. The “Go” also suggests a super fancy navigation that works with HD traffic data from TomTom; Goolge Street View and Panoramio. Standard on all cars are the air conditioning, the electric front windows, the four-speaker audio USB + Aux-in system, heated mirrors, fog lights and Vehicle Stability Control.

*figures provisional prior to official homologation

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

2014 Toyota Highlander – US Price $29,215

2014 Toyota Highlander is now available to order in the US. The pricing is starting from $29,215 for the LE four-cylinder FWD and goes up to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package.

There are four trim levels: LE grade, the LE Plus grade, XLE grade and Limited grade.

The standard equipment of LE grade includes 18” alloy wheels, Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second- and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage compartments like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with easy access to power and USB ports, a windshield wiper de-icer, and much more.

The LE Plus grade adds fog lights, an height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The XLE grade adds smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an 8” touch screen display, anti-theft system, Homelink,and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Options include seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray DVD entertainment system.

The top-of-range Limited grade boasts 19” Chromtec alloy wheels, LED DRLs, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, 7-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite.

Options for both the gas and hybrid Limited grade models include a rear-seat Blu-ray DVE entertainment system, Driver Technology Package, and Platinum Package.

The Driver Technology Package includes:

Safety Connect (includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification. Available by subscription),
Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Lane Departure Alert with Automatic High Beam Headlights.

The Platinum Package includes:

Driver Technology Package,
Panoramic Moonroof
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated Second-row Captain’s Chairs.

2014 Highlander Pricing

Model	Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	13MY MSRP ($)	14MY MSRP ($)	MSRP Difference ($)	MSRP Change (%)
6942	LE	L4	FWD	$29,020	$29,215	$195	0.7%
6946	LE	V6	FWD	$30,395	$30,520	$125	0.4%
6948	LE	V6	AWD	$31,845	$31,980	$135	0.4%
6947	LE Plus	V6	FWD	$31,850	$32,740	$890	2.8%
6949	LE Plus	V6	AWD	$33,300	$34,200	$900	2.7%
6951	XLE	V6	FWD	$34,560	$36,040	$1,480	4.3%
6953	XLE	V6	AWD	$36,010	$37,500	$1,490	4.1%
6954	LTD	V6	FWD	$37,950	$39,640	$1,690	4.5%
6956	LTD	V6	AWD	$39,400	$41,100	$1,700	4.3%
6955	LTD Plat.	V6	FWD	N/A	$42,130	N/A	N/A
6957	LTD Plat.	V6	AWD	N/A	$43,590	N/A	N/A
6966	Hybrid LTD	V6	AWD-i	$46,370	$47,300	$930	2.0%
6967	Hybrid LTD. Plat.	V6	AWD-i	N/A	$49,790	N/A	N/A

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

2015 Lincoln MKC – US Price $33,995

2015 Lincoln MKC has a starting price of $33,995 for the Premiere trim level powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine mated to an automatic gearbox sending the power to the front wheels. The price can go up to $40,930 for the Reserve trim level with the same powertrain.

Three trim levels will be available when the vehicle hits the market: Premiere, Select and Reserve. Each offers an array of luxury content and amenities so owners can select features best suited to their needs.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC with the Reserve package, 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine ($1,140) and optional all-wheel drive and continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension ($2,495 MSRP) offers a lower MSRP than similarly equipped entries from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

2015 Lincoln MKC standard equipment

MECHANICAL

· Active Noise Control (ANC)

· Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)

· Electronic parking brake

· 15.5-gallon fuel tank

· Hill Start Assist

· Push-button shift

· SelectShift^® automatic transmission with paddle shifters

· Torque Vectoring Control

EXTERIOR

· Anodized roof rails without cross-bars

· Body-colored bumpers/fascias, door handles and spoiler

· Bright beltline molding

· Color-keyed exterior antenna

· Dual exhausts with chrome exhaust tips

· Front license-plate brackets

· Front solar-tinted and privacy glass

· Auto on/off HID headlamps with LED signature lighting

· Body-colored, dual-power heated mirrors with memory; integrated spotter mirrors

· Smoked Chrome front grille

· LED signature taillamps

· 18-inch painted aluminum wheels

· P235/50R18 tires

· Steel mini spare wheel – tire T165/70R17

INTERIOR / COMFORT

· Four-way manual adjustable front/rear headrests

· Aluminum trim on door panel, console and instrument panel

· Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC) climate control

· Power door locks

· Driver and passenger dual illuminated visors with ticket clip

· Driver and passenger seatback coat hooks and map pockets

· Driver and passenger power windows with one-touch up/down

· Enhanced particulate air filter

· First- and second-row floor mats

· Front floor console with storage with two cupholders

· Electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror

· Overhead console with sunglasses holder

· First-row seats: 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar and memory; four-way power front-passenger seat with power recline; heated first-row seats; Lincoln Luxury Soft Touch seating surfaces

· Second-row seats: 60/40 fold-flat split bench with recline

· Leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and redundant audio controls; manual tilt and telescoping

· Touch LED map lights

· Lincoln Experiences welcome/farewell elements: Lincoln Logo welcome mat; door-handle illumination; Approach Detection; signature lighting fade up

SAFETY / SECURITY

· Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes

· Dual-stage front airbags

· Driver knee airbag

· Side airbags

· Side air curtains

· Emergency brake assist

· Interactive vehicle dynamics with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC^®)

· Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH)

· Perimeter alarm

· Rear camera

· SecuriCode™ keypad

· SecuriLock^® passive anti-theft system

· SOS Post Crash Alert

· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

· Traction control

FUNCTIONAL

· Two-speed rear wipers with washer

· Active Grille Shutters

· Lincoln Premium Sound System with nine speakers and subwoofer with single-CD/MP3 player; auxiliary input jack; SIRIUS^® Satellite Radio (48 contiguous states; service not available in Alaska and Hawaii)

· Cruise control

· Easy Fuel^® capless fuel filler

· Front driver and passenger grab handle

· Intelligent Access with push-button start

· Intermittent speed-sensitive front wipers

· Message center with compass

· MyKey^®

· Outside temperature gauge

· Four powerpoints: two in front, one in rear, auxiliary in luggage compartment

· Rear-window defroster

· Remote start

· Reverse sensing system

· SYNC^® with MyLincoln Touch^®: 8-inch touch screen in center stack; media hub with two USB ports, SD card reader and RCA video input jacks; five-way controls on steering wheel; voice-activated communication and entertainment system

2015 Lincoln MKC series

2015 Lincoln MKC	Premiere	Select	Reserve
MSRP	$33,995	$37,225	$40,930
Engine	2.0-liter EcoBoost	2.0-liter EcoBoost 2.3-liter EcoBoost available	2.0-liter EcoBoost 2.3-liter EcoBoost available
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD standard; AWD available
Features	See standard equipment above	Premiere content plus: 18-inch Luster Nickel wheels 10-way power passenger seat Ambient lighting Universal garage door opener Turn-signal lamps embedded in mirrors Configurable daytime running lamps Power folding mirrors New Lincoln steering wheel featuring Wollsdorf leather	Select content plus: Vista Roof with power shades Voice-activated navigation Hands-free liftgate BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert 18-inch polished, two-tone wheels Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel Cooled front seats Embedded modem
Free-standing packages
Package name	MSRP	Features
Select Plus (available only with Select)	$1,100	Voice Activated Navigation BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
Technology (available only with Reserve)	$2,235	Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support Active park assist Lane-keeping system Front sensing system
Climate (available on Select and Reserve)	$580	Heated rear seat Heated steering wheel Auto high-beam headlamps Rain-sensing wipers
Free-standing features
Feature			MSRP
2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine			$1,140
All-wheel drive with continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension			$2,495
Enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System			$995
19-inch premium painted wheels			$395
20-inch premium painted wheels			$995
CCD suspension (optional on FWD only, standard on AWD)			$650

Source: Lincoln

December 16, 2013

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is Here

2015-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-medium It’s the new Mrecedes-Benz C-Class! You know, the one that’s supposed to be compact and more common-man oriented. Well, this here is a yet another departure from that idea.

The latest C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessor by 95 mm and 40 mm respectively. That’s 4686 mm in length from headlight to taillight and 1810 mm from side to side. The total increase in length is mainly due to the 80 mm longer wheelbase. That’s why there’s acres of leg-room inside for the rear passengers.

And while the dimensions go up, the overall weight goes down by as much as 100 kg. Extensive use of lightweight materials is to blame for that. Apparently, the use of aluminum, as compared to the older model structure, has gone up from 10 percent to 50 percent. The safety of the cabin has not really been sacrificed despite the diet. Besides, the chances of someone having a crash in it sounds seem to be pretty low. There’s a host of standard and optional automated systems like Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus (at up to speeds of 125 mph, it applies the brakes when there’s an estimated danger on the road and no response from the driver). If that’s not enough, there are also optional assists such as lane keeping, and another brake assist for even drowsier drivers we presume, and a follow-that-car mode with a Stop Go Pilot at speeds less than 37 mph.

Speaking of stopping and going, let’s not neglect the elephant(s) in the room .The C-Class will be initially available with three engine choices – one diesel and two petrols. The former is a C 220 BlueTEC 2.2-liter plant with 170 hp and 400 Nm in its pocket. The two petrols (C 180 and C 200), on the other hand, are 1.6 and 2.0-liters respectively and develop 156 and 184 hp again respectively.

A number of factors weigh in on the exquisite economy of all engines. All models have Mercedes’ ECO start/stop function, all are, as mentioned, significantly lighter than their forerunners, and all employ sophisticated technologies. The diesel boasts an economy of 70.6 mpg and 103 g/km of CO2 emissions partly due to a state-of-the-art common-rail direct injection setup, and a selective catalytic reduction system. The C 180 and C 220 are not bad either at 56.5 mpg and 53.3 mpg respectively.

Later in its life, the C-Class will also get a hybrid plant akin to the one found it the S and E-Classes – a C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with a 204 + 27 hp diesel + electric motor that runs on 72.4 mpg. A plug-in hybrid is also to be expected

Depending on the installed output ratings, Mercedes-Benz is offering two new 6-speed stick versions. Then there’s the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearboxes which will offer the latest in environmental-friendliness, responsiveness and driving pleasure.

This being a Mercedes-Benz, one should also expect a superior suspension system. A front independent suspension boast a four-link setup provides more grip and higher lateral stability. Essentially, the driver is rewarded with more feedback from the steering wheel and a sporty feel. At the back, the optimized multi-link independent suspension ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.

Three DIRECT CONTROL suspensions with selective damping system are available in conjunction with this suspension:

a comfort suspension
a lowered comfort suspension with a sportier character
a sports suspension lowered by 15 mm

Optionally, for the first time in a C-Class, you can opt for the Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC air suspension which is highly customizable and has optimum ride comfort on its mind.

Inside, one of the focal points of the C-Class is the HUD display that can even offer directions. Another focal point is the central display at the main console. It’s 7-inches diagonally or 8,4-inches if you go for the COMAND Online navigation option. From it you can access a plethora of software we haven’t even heard of. Just to get an idea of the level of smartness though, consider this: when the navigation foresees an incoming tunnel (which it naturally does), it turns on the air-circulation setting on its own so that you don’t inhale the sooty air that is usually present on such stretches.

2015-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-medium-2

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 16, 2013

2014 BMW M235i Racing – 333 HP and 450 Nm [details]

BMW Motorsport has released full details of the 2014 M235i Racing. The specially prepared sports car packs a lot of nice performance upgrades and improved engine.

The dimensions are 4,454mm in length, 1,861mm in width, 1,380mm in height and a 2,690mm wheelbase. It rolls 18” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The suspension is improved thanks to H&R and KW – H&R suspension springs and KW shock absorbers, front and rear H&R anti-roll bars and high-performance brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers.

The engine is the well-known straight-six TwinPower Turbo 3.0 liter – 333HP (245 kW) and 450Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque.

Other upgrades include an LSD (limited-slip differential) and a complete sports exhaust system. The interior features include a sports steering wheel with mounted shift paddle shifters. There are also Recaro Pro Racer SPG racing seats, six-point racing Schroth belts and a FIA-compliant roll cage.

2014 BMW M235i Racing is priced from €59,500 (excl. VAT).

DIMENSIONS Length: 4,454mm

Max. width: 1,862mm (without mirrors)

Height: 1,380mm

Wheel base: 2,690mm

Max. track width: 1,608mm

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION Straight six-cylinder petrol engine

BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo

Capacity: 2,979ccm

Output: 245kW (333bhp)

Torque: 450Nm

Racing exhaust with racing catalytic converters

Steering wheel with shift paddles

BMW M Performance limited-slip differential

TANK Motorsport safety tank

SUSPENSION / STEERING KW dampers

H&R suspension springs

Front: H&R anti-roll bar (2-way)

Rear: H&R anti-roll bar

BRAKES Front: High-performance motorsport braking system –

Performance Friction (PFC); 4-pot fixed calliper

Rear: BMW M Performance 2-pot braking system

ABS / DSC / ASC BMW Motorsport specific racing application

TYRES / WHEELS 18×10 inch alloy rims

SAFETY COMPONENTS Cage with DMSB certificate and FIA approval

6-point racing harness from Schroth

Racing seat RECARO Pro Racer SPG

EXTRAS Taxi seat, incl. belt

XL driver’s seat

Source: BMW

December 16, 2013

Showcasing The McLaren MP4-12C by DMC Luxury and PUR WHEELS

McLaren-MP4-12C-by-DMC-Luxury-and-PUR-WHEELS-shadow Remember DMC’s McLaren Velocita SE? Here it is again with a brand new pair of trainers courtesy of another familiar name – PUR Wheels.

Besides a boost in power to 660 hp, The Velocita SE also boasts a fairly modified exterior. Take the flaring carbon fiber body kit for example. Supposedly, DMC set out to replace the allegedly grinning face of the stock MP4-12C with an “aggressive” bumper. Should we assume that it’s frowning now?

Whatever it’s doing, it looks different. There’s a carbon fiber grill in the center and a jutted lip splitter. Along with the carbon fiber winglets on the sides, those enhancement are said to improve traction on the front axle. At the back DMC must have felt there aren’t enough fins on the diffuser so they’ve added two more on their custom-made module. Ultimately, the exhaust was also scrapped for a titanium one that is supposed to complement acoustically the whole aggressive theme. No self-respecting body kit goes without a custom rear wing too so there’s that. Despite the apparent pattern of adding parts, the Velocita is actually lighter than a standard McLaren MP4-12C.

Then, there’s the cherry on top. They are actually four of them – PUR TEN alloys finished in Anthracite and measuring at 19 and 20 inches front and back respectively. I guess we were pleasantly surprised by the evident subtlety of that particular point (on the PUR-less Velocita the wheels measured at 21-inches front and back).

Does it all work out fine? Yeah, why not?

Source: DMC Luxury

December 16, 2013

Gemballa GTP 700 Being Really Quick On The Nardo Ring

GEMBALLA-GTP-700-Porsche-Panamera-Turbo-shadow

The Nardo Ring test track, borrowing its name from the town of Nardo Italy because of the relative proximity of the two, is a 7.8 mile circle track with a constant bank. So, due to its specific nature no car is truly capable of reaching its top speed. We don’t want to get all technical. Let’s just say that because of the angle of the outer-most lane (the fastest one) there’s more downforce on the inside wheels of the car and then some stuff happens and you can’t go as fast as you would on a straight track.

Still, you can go really, really fast. Manufacturers keep setting Nardo specific benchmakrs, and one of the most recent is the deed of the GEMBALLA GTP 700 – A Porsche Panamera Turbo-based aftermarket monstrosity. As the name suggests, it boasts 700 hp. To get from 0 to 60 in it would take no more than 3.3 mph seconds. Also, 0 to 120 mph takes 9.6 seconds, and 0 to 180 mph 26.5 seconds. How far up did it go on the ring, you ask? 211 mph. Independently verified by trade journals such as AUTO BILD, SPORTSCARS and Continental.

GEMBALLA are especially proud with the fact that the GTP achieved that completely unmodified in all of its two-ton glory. “The huge 22-inch wheels, unique to this car in the starting field of cars with a performance of more than 300 km/h, were entirely unaltered, as was the full equipment including rear-seat entertainment facility. In addition, the weight, the engine as well as the aerodynamics remained unchanged and were not adapted for this particular occasion,” says Andreas Schwarz, CEO of GEMBALLA, who drove the car himself.

Don’t take his word for it. See it for yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/EV97ZZFED98

Source: GEMBALLA

December 13, 2013

2014 BMW M3 Touring [render]

X-Tomi Design has published a nice rendering picture of 2014 BMW M3 Touring. Although BMW has never created M3 Touring, we can hope for such model.

Still, an M3 Touring is possible, because it will go directly against the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate and the Audi RS4 Avant.

The new 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.

Source: X-Tomi Design via Facebook

December 13, 2013

Kahn Maybach 57 S In The Bargain Bin

Kahn-Maybach-57-S-shadow Kahn-Maybach-57-S-medium Have you ever tried to decipher The Maybach 57 S? The number 57 stands for the total length of the luxury leviathan in decimetres (570 cm or approx 224 inches). It serves as a comprehensive distinction from the Maybach 62 which… well, you do the math. What about the S? Being a Daimler brand, you’d think it’s a reference to the S-Class, but it isn’t. S stands for “Special” and by extension it implies a 6.0-liter V12 engine as opposed to a 5.5 one.

What happens when we add “Kahn” to the equation? Not much, actually. There are, of course, 22-inch silver platinum Kahn RS-XF alloy wheels with the original Maybach center caps preserved – they are adding a dash of luxury surely. There’s also a Khan lowering module for which we see no apparent reason. It’s not like you are going to take it to a track day despite the impressive 620 hp output and 4.9 second 60 mph sprint. It will be like trying to powerslide a cruise liner. Nothing else seems out of the ordinary

The biggest news, however, is that Kahn are putting it up for grabs. Since 2007 it has done 67,721 nautical miles (kidding, not nautical) and it is very, very well equipped, they ensures us. There’s supposed to be a rear seat entertainment pack, a reversing camera, radar-guided cruise control and tons of more gadgets. The price? £89,875 or $146,254. Not bad when you consider that a new one costs around $585,828.

Bargain of the year?

Kahn-Maybach-57-S-medium-2

Kahn-Maybach-57-S-medium-3

Kahn-Maybach-57-S-medium-4

Kahn-Maybach-57-S-medium-5

Source: Kahn

December 13, 2013

All-new 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 – 240HP and 570Nm

Chrysler’s all-new 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 delivers – 240HP (177 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque at just 2,000RPM. It powers the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. The NAFTA market’s first and only light-duty pickup powered by clean diesel technology.

“Quiet, strong and as smooth as the diesels we’ve been testing in luxury cars, the Ram 3.0L V-6 works in perfect harmony with Chrysler’s standard 8-speed transmission to deliver an unbeatable combination of power and efficiency,” commented Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine.

“Thanks to advanced emissions-control technology, its exhaust is ultra-clean, making this engine available in all 50 states. If you’re planning serious work or play, the Ram EcoDiesel really makes sense.”, he added.

The EcoDiesel’s fuel pump is upgraded to accommodate the engine’s 2,000-bar (29,000-psi) high-pressure common-rail injection system.

The engine also benefits from Fiat’s MultiJet 2 technology, which enables Injection Rate-Shaping – fuel injection that is modulated to mitigate noise and improve low-speed throttle response, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The system’s high-dispersion nozzles and advanced-technology servovalve can accommodate up to eight fuel-injection events per cylinder cycle.

Source: Chrysler

December 13, 2013

Audi S5 Wins 5th Consecutive Best Engine Award

Audi is a winner in the 20^th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. Audi S5 marks the 5^th consecutive win for the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. WardsAuto editors tested 44 engines and scored each based on power, noise, vibration, drivability, packaging, fuel economy, technical relevance and specifications. This year’s nominees consist of 36 gasoline engines (including 4 hybrids), 6 diesels and 2 battery-electrics.

The Audi S5 3.0 liter TFSI – 333HP (245 kW) at 5,500RPM and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at 2,900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The fuel consumption in city is 10.7 liters / 100 km, 6.6 liters on the highway and 8.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine powers a total of seven Audi vehicles including the Audi S5, the A8 luxury sedan, A7 5-door coupe, A6, Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle, Q5 mid-size sport-utility vehicle, as well as the S4 luxury-sport sedan.

Source: Audi

December 13, 2013

2014 Range Rover Sport Conquers The Desert [video]

Land Rover has published a video showing the attend of the new 2014 Range Rover Sport of a spectacular challenge to complete the fastest recorded crossing of the Empty Quarter desert.

The team covered 849 km (528 miles) from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the United Arab Emirates. The challenge was completed in just 10 hours and 22 minutes at an average speed of 81.87 km/h (51.87 mph).

The short film features spectacular footage from inside and outside the vehicle, as well as epic shots of the barren environment that the team faced as they tackled the largest sand desert in the world. Viewers will see the new Range Rover Sport pummel the desert flats at full speed, tip toe down the steepest sand dunes and navigate the myriad of obstacles that the desert threw up – including rogue camels appearing from nowhere. Sand storms, immense heat and punishing jumps are just some of the challenges that pushed man and machine to the limit.

The standard production 2014 Range Rover Sport was powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 510HP. It also ran on standard tyres and rims. The only modification to the vehicle was the fitment of an underbody protection plate. This vehicle was displayed at the Dubai Motor Show on the 5^th November, just two days after completing the desert crossing.

Enjoy!

Source: Land Rover

December 13, 2013

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