Automobiles Review – Page 629 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Suzuki Celerio – Alto’s Successor

Suzuki has confirmed the successor of Alto. It is called Celerio and previewed by the A Wind Concept. The small car is set to receive a production version sometime during the next year.

The current Alto is manufactured in India while the upcoming Celerio will be produced in Thailand alongside the Splash. The A Wind Concept was presented at the 2013 Thailand International Motor Expo. It is 3600mm long, 1600mm wide and 1540mm tall with a 2425mm wheelbase (60mm longer than current Alto). It rolls 16” rims fitted with 185/55 R16 tires.

The engine will be a three-cylinder 1.0 liter petrol with 67HP (50 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft). It is connected to a CVT (continuous variable transmission).

Stay tuned for full details!

Source: Suzuki

December 5, 2013

McLaren Special Operations 12C Concept

McLaren Special Operations has unveiled a custom 12C. The special edition model will highlight the capabilities of the manufacturer’s bespoke group.

MSO was created back in 2011 and since then they created MP4-12C High Sport and X1. The MSO 12C Concept boasts a lot of upgrades including a redesigned hood, front wing vents and rear wing vents. Other highlights include a unique airbrake and an updated roof featuring a built-in air scoop helping the engine cooling. All parts are made from carbon fiber.

The wheel bolts, oil and water filler caps are manufactured from titanium, which additionally lowers the 12C’s weight.

The interior also has some carbon fiber parts like the instrument cluster and rear sections of the seats.

Last, but not least the MSO 12C comes with a new set of lightweight wheels.

Source: McLaren Special Operations

December 5, 2013

Arden Range Rover Equipped With Supercharger Kit

The tuners at Arden have developed a special Supercharger Kit for Range Rover’s V8 SC Engine. The have gone under extensive development and testing which has eventually resulted in the creation of the power kit.

The latter exacerbates the horsepower capability of the unit with approximately 138 hp (101KW) and 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, Arden has also applied a new Supercharger-engine made of high-alloyed aluminum in combination with an additional ECU.

Of course, the vehicle is equipped with tuning brand’s high-end exhaust system which features a sport catalytic converter. What is more, next to the enhanced throttle response there has been also added a significant power throughout the entire rpm-range.

In fact, thanks to theses modifications the power of the Range Rover reaches the enviable 650 hp (478 kW) with a V-Max-extension up to 260 km/h.

Source: Arden

December 5, 2013

Ford Ka Concept Vision Revealed In Barcelona

In November we have seen the birth of a new concept – Ford Ka Concept, which back then was unveiled in Brazil. Now the brand is showing for the first time the model in Europe, along with the new 2015 Mustang and Edge Concept.

The Ka Concept is Ford’s vision for a practical global small which offers advanced technology and clever design, efficiency and precision. The car features bold, elongated headlamps and a long, lean look with sweeping, curved lines. The five-door concept is equipped with technology which is typical for larger cars.

For instance, MyFord Dock gives the occupants the abiltiy to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and satellite navigation systems. In addition, SYNC with Voice Control and AppLink enables drivers to activate apps, play music and make phone calls, while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Ka Concept’s engine range will include a 1.0 liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit which generates 80 horsepower (59 kW), a 1.5 liter petrol/ethanol that delivers 111 horsepower (82 kW) on ethanol and 107 horsepower (79 kW) on gasoline.

Ford Ka Concept is readied for a production version that is scheduled to reach European showrooms by 2017.

Source: Ford

December 5, 2013

Alcraft Motor Company Range Rover Study

The designers and engineers at Alcraft Motor Company have launched a design study of the iconic British vehicle Range Rover. They have worked together with the students from London’s Royal College of Art with the aim to create the ultimate vehicle.

The final outcome originates from Alcraft’s RCA project. The car has been developed further by Alcraft design consultant Matthew Humphries, who was chief designer at Morgan Cars. In addition to Matthew Humphries, Alcraft also works with Christopher Macgowan OBE.

The Range Rover study is just one of other projects which the company sets to explore. The following transformation can be done on the Range Rover flagship and the Sport and Evoque models, Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

In the case of the Alcraft Range Rover the company has simplified its lines and detailing, yet given it a more limousine-like presence. The new design has definitely accentuated the vehicle’s off-road capability and heritage, however evoking more luxurious stance.

The same approach has been implied throughout the interior of the car where a lot of additional textures have been used. Precisely, Alcraft interiors are improved by the utilization of traditional materials like wood and leather, or contemporary finishes like carbon and chrome. In other words, the designers have created a project which expresses the ultimate luxury.

Source: Alcraft Motor Company

December 5, 2013

2014 Yaris And Yaris Hybrid Get Upgraded Equipment

2014 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hybrid have been upgraded for the new model year and include features that customers value most. First of all the new Yaris will have four trim levels: Active, Icon, Icon Plus and Trend. The Active and Icon replace the previous T2 and TR grades, while Icon Plus and Trend gain additional equipment.

To be more precise, the Icon Plus now will sport Selena 10-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED rear light clusters and front fog lights. Those who will chose the Glacier Pearl paint finish will also get a bright chrome tailgate trim.

Other equipment in terms of safety and comfortability features the following: automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, power windows front and rear, automatic climate control and higher-set centre console design.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris range:

ACTIVE	ICON adds	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
Six-speaker audio system	15-inch alloy wheels	Selena 15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch machined-face alloy wheels
Aux-in and USB connection	Body-coloured, electric, heated door mirrors	Front fog lights	Exterior chrome trim details
Audio controls on steering wheel	Body-coloured doorhandles	Rain-sensing wipers	Chrome-finished door mirrors
Electric front windows	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Dusk-sensing headlamps	Rear privacy glass
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Rear-view camera	LED rear lights	Matt black C-pillar decal
Seven airbags	Tachometer	Automatic dual zone climate control	Chrome side sills
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Air conditioning	Electric rear windows	Leather handbrake and steering wheel trim with yellow contrast stitching
	Leather gearshift and steering wheel trim	Raised centre console	Trend interior trim with white dashboard inserts
	Bluetooth	Cruise control with speed limiter
		Air conditioned glovebox with interior light

Of course, in addition to the standard features Toyota will offer its customers a wide variety of available equipment. Option packs have been added for the Icon Plus and Trend models. First, a Smart Pack makes features keyless entry and push-button start, while the Appearance Pack adds a matt black C-pillar decal, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass and a fixed panoramic roof.

The third pack is called Protection Pack which provides front and rear parking sensors, floor mats, mud flaps, black side mouldings and boot liner and a rear bumper protection plate. On the other hand, the Style Pack includes LED daytime running lights, aluminium scuff plates and chrome trim on the tailgate and exhaust pipe.

The second model, 2014 Yaris Hybrid adopts a new grade structure. Here again the Active and Icon Plus grades replace the previous T3 and T4, while the Trend takes on the role of flagship in place of the T Spirit.

The standard features here include C-pillar decal to create the floating roof look, rear spoiler, 16-inch Trend alloys and part-leather seat upholstery, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power windows all-round and keyless entry with push-button start.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris Hybrid range:

ACTIVE	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
LED daytime running lights	15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch Trend alloys
Automatic climate control	LED rear combination lights	C-pillar decal
Electric front windows	Front fog lamps	Part-leather seat upholstery
Six-speaker audio system	Cruise control	Rear spoiler
Aux-in and USB connection	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Keyless entry and push-button start
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Bluetooth	Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Seven airbags	Rear-view camera	Electric rear windows
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Rear privacy glass	Dusk-sensing headlights
	Electric, heated, body-coloured door mirrors	Rain-sensing wipers
	Leather steering wheel and gear selector trim
	Chrome tailgate trim

Source: Toyota

December 5, 2013

Chevrolet To Introduce 2015 Corvette Z06 In A Month

2015-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-teaser-shadow

Exciting news from Detroit city. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is coming soon. Very soon. It’s supposed to be the “most track-capable Corvette ever” In other words, its sole purpose is to put to shame all relevant rivals.

“Chevrolet is America’s favorite performance car brand, and for 2014 we are going to offer enthusiasts more choices than ever before,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “No other manufacturer will be able to match the breath of performance cars from Chevrolet.”

Apparently, Chevrolet as a whole is doing mighty fine on the market. This year the current Corvette has outsold its closest competitor (which is apparently the Porsche 911). The demand for the new Stingray, they say, outstrips the supply.

The Camaro is also ahead of the Ford Mustang with a 4,093-unit lead in total sales. In the second quarter of 2014, the Camaro Z/28 will hit the dealrships and it too is supposed to be “the most track-capable” of its kind. Recently, the Z/28 logged a 7:37.40 lap on the Nurburgring… on a rainy day. Crikey!

The 2015 Corvette Z06, on the other hand, will debut in about a month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – home turf.

That, and the fact that the Z06 sales will start at the end of next year, is all we know for now. Better start saving up.

Source: Chevrolet

December 5, 2013

Update: Vorsteiner BMW M5 F10 Photo Shoot

Vorsteiner-BMW-M5-F10-shadow Vorsteiner-BMW-M5-F10-medium Not exactly breaking news, but a photo shoot of Vorsteiner’s BMW F10 M5. We don’t really need an excuse to relish in some eye-candy goodness, do we?

It’s an delicate thing this, mainly because Vorsteiner haven’t gone destroying it with a ridiculous body kit. In fact, this might just be the most reserved tuning effort of them all. All the while, it would seem that Vorsteiner went through an awful lot of fuss just so that they can leave their mark on the BMW M5. Consider this – the three main components that distinguish their BMW from all the rest are the carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, and lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Yet, they modeled them on a 3D printer (these days even bacon seems to be modeled by a 3D printer before it arrives on our plates); and, before actually bolting the pieces on the M5, Vorsteiner tested their aerodynamic properties in a wind tunnel.

Last but not least, they gave the M5 a set of 21-inch VS-190 Forged Monoblock Wheels leaving just about a hair of space between the tires and the wheel arches.

Generally improved or would you rather have it marooned?

Source: Vorsteiner

December 5, 2013

Supersized Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Mercedes E 63 AMG Station Wagon

Brabus-850-6-0-Biturbo-Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-shadow

Brabus seem to have a somewhat peculiar understanding of what an estate is. See, we look at the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Station Wagon and go, “Oh, look at that loading space! I can finally move that cupboard/drawer/sofa/farm animal that I’ve been wanting to get rid of for years. This being an AMG car, I could probably do it really, really quick as well.” Brabus, on the other hand, have a look at it and go. “Has it got an engine? Yes? Wonderful, we’ve got work to do!” And by “work” they mean, dismantling the Merc’s “puny” 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 and substitute all the major components with their own. The result is currently on a stand at the 2013 Essen Motor Show: The Brabus 850 6.0 Bitrubo Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon.

As the name suggests, we are talking about a 6-liter 850 hp engine. What Brabus have done to achieve such power is increase the cylinder bore to 99 mm and install new forged pistons. A custom crankshaft with a stroke of 96 instead of 90.5 mm plus eight custom piston rods were also on the list. On top of that (no pun intended), the two cylinder heads have been optimized for improved mixture flow.

The whole air-intake system has also been substituted. Think two Brabus turbochargers with more room for compression and special exhaust manifolds. Before the air reaches them, however, it passes through a bigger-than-normal air duct on the hood and bigger air filters. The intake and charge-air tubes are plated with a special “Gold Heat Reflection” material for better heat dissipation. ECU management also comes into play and so do the high-performance catalysts, plus the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system that provides the right note at the right time.

If you think 850 hp is impressive, wait until you hear the torque figure – 1,150 Nm. This means that the 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 tires that come with the programme have to both provide enough traction for the Biturbo to get to 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds, and stay intact throughout. The top speed is limited to 186 mph.

Visual Brabus treats include the front spoiler lip that acts as an add-on to the production bumper and the Brabus diffuser insert that nestles the two dual ceramic-coated tailpipes. Don’t forget the largest in size Brabus 9.5Jx20 Monoblock F or R wheels or the optional Brabus Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” set that sees 9Jx20s at the front and 10.5x20s at the back.

Inside, the distinguishable features include a Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantra upholstery, a pair of aluminum shift paddles, and a set of Brabus Race pedals.

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2013

5 cars that will get your heart racing

To some, cars are just four wheeled apparatuses that get us from A to B in the nick of time. Those people are lying. There’s no denying even the most eco-friendly hippies wouldn’t be impressed by at least one of the cars in this line up. From the most bizarre innovations to the ultra-luxury cruisers of tomorrow, these five vehicles will send your heart into a palpitating spin.

1964 Aston Martin DB5

Got a spare $4 million lying around in your garage? Yeah? Me too. For this measly price, you can re-enact that famous image of Sean Connery suavely resting against his Aston Martin with legs crossed wearing nothing but a smouldering gaze. Just ask anyone born before 1960 to name the most famous car in movie-viewing history and chances are that the first car to spring to mind is the 1964 Aston Martin driven by Agent 007, Bond… James Bond. It’s the one vehicle of it’s time that inspired millions of wannabe-bonds to dream of owning this slice of cinematic history.

1932 Bugatti Royale

Do you stroll down the cobble stoned streets peering at the young’uns through your monocle while pondering the notion of a carriage that didn’t require you to converse with the common folk? Well, have we got the automobile for you? Exceedingly rare and beautiful, the Bugatti Royale boast the title of the largest car coming in at a whopping 21 feet long and weighing 7,000 pounds. Bugatti had originally planned to build twenty five of the Royales, and ironically enough wished to sell them to royals. However, even those of ample means felt the pinch of the Depression and out of the six he actually made, Bugatti only sold three.

The Jet Car

Who would have thought that you’re regular old Honda could be transformed into a futuristic art piece that you can still drive? That’s exactly what steel fabrication and assemblage specialist Jim Robertson did. He welded an angle iron framework to his vehicle and covered that with steel plates and found objects to create a UFO-like creation that has now one multiple awards and has been displayed in the Houston Art Car Museum under the aptly named title, Roswell: The Alien Invasion.

1969 Boss 429 Mustang

A list on amazing rides just wouldn’t be completed without the ultimate American muscle car – the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang. If the only reason you want to own one of these bad boys is to pump Mustang Sally at top volume, sorry to disappoint you, the only thing you’ll be hearing is the sound of the freakishly large engine roaring away.

2005 Bugatti Veyron

I know, I know, two Bugatti’s made the list? Well if you’re going to be named Car of the Decade by BBC’s car enthusiast program Top Gear, then you can’t not add this sports car. Known for its magnitude speeds and sheer brilliance, Top Gear had this to say about the beast: Nothing prepares you for the shock of the acceleration when you open the throttle and unleash a thousand horses.

What’s you dream car? Tell us in the comments below.

December 4, 2013

Caractere Exclusive Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Caractere Exclusive has introduced their latest project based on the new Porsche 911 Cabriolet (the 991 model).

The exterior boasts full conversion kit including modified front and rear bumpers as well as different side skirts. All elements are manufactured from polyurethane (PU). Other highlights include a new wing featuring a third brake light, engine vents and a boot lid.

Caractere 911 Cabriolet is finished in white paint, while the three-piece modular matte GRAPHITE CW2 forged alloys boast two-tone finish. They are available in 20” or 21” sizes.

No words about performance upgrades.

Source: Caractere Exclusive

December 4, 2013

2014 Saab 9-3 Aero – Price €31,510

Saab has officially introduced the all-new 2014 9-3 Aero. The new model will hit the market on December 10^th with pricing starting from €31,510.

Detailed performance specifications were not released but the company confirmed the model will have a turbocharged 2.0 liter petrol engine with 220 HP (162 kW). It will be connected to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

“It is truly a complex mission to start a car production process which has been still for two and a half years. It is very pleasing that we have embarked on a journey where we want to and will make a difference with our partners and customers. Our electric car will be launched next year, and already today we can offer Saab cars with continued high, proven performance and quality”, commented According to National Electric Vehicle Sweden President Mattias Bergman.

Source: Saab

December 4, 2013

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1964 Aston Martin DB5

1932 Bugatti Royale

The Jet Car

1969 Boss 429 Mustang

2005 Bugatti Veyron