Automobiles Review – Page 633 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Seat Releases Leon Eurocup As One Make Series

Seat Leon Cup Racer is a high-performance race car and it contributes to brand’s motorsport tradition. The car will enter a total of six race events in six European countries, where the car will be renamed as Seat Leon Eurocup.

The Eurocup vehicle will offer customer teams a great driving experience for the 2014 season. It runs on 18-inch wheels and sports a new front end which has been specifically designed for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and maximum airflow to the engine and brakes.

At the rear, the wheel arches with their vents improve the cooling effect on the four-piston brake system. The flared sills work in combination with the front spoiler, thus smoothening the under body, rear diffuser and two-stage roof spoiler mounted on a single support in order to provide optimal down force for high cornering speeds.

In addition, the car is equipped with full-LED headlamps that include daytime-running-light signature as well as with LED rear lights. What is more, the interior has undergone a substantial reduction in weight and for the motorsport purposes is equipped with a high-strength roll cage.

The latter works in terms of safety which is further improved by the bucket seat with HANS system for head and neck protection. Driver’s information and operating controls in this sports-vehicle are located in the multi-function steering wheel, while the high-resolution TFT display -behind it.

Leon Eurocup is powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine which has a maximum power output is 330 hp (243 kW) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The power transmission to the front axle is courtesy of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and is operated from the steering wheel and an electronically controlled locking differential.

Source: Seat

November 28, 2013

MTM’s Polo and Audi Lineup at The Essen Motor Show

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From the 30th of November until December the 8th the city of Essen, Germany will become the venue of motoring nirvana. Mostly after market companies will be showcasing their crowning achievements amidst a swirl of classic cars, accessories, tools, racing cars, fuels, lubricants etc.

One of the stands on the Essen Motor Show will be taken up by MTM; and, wouldn’t you know it., we are talking about a yet another road-going Polo R WRC. It’s supposed to have 315 hp (just as much as the rally version) and do 0 to 60 in just above four seconds. In a bid to tame that power, MTM have bolted on their own 4-piston brakes and provided KW absorbers. The car sits on 8 x 18-inch Nardo wheels wearing 215/35 ContiSportContact 5 P tires. Oh, and if you don’t find that enough, they can amp the power up to 380 hp.

MTM-Audi-RS6-R-medium

If such “feeble” is not your cup of tea, then move on to the next MTM item – 722 hp Audi RS6 R TFSI 4.0. Sounds ludicrous, but this monstrosity of a car is actually able to put all that power on the road. Its 0 to 60 is deemed insignificant, its 0 to 124 mph is quoted at just below 11 seconds. You’ll eventually hit the limiter at 211 mph. In order to cope with these forces, the MTM Audi RS6 has a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters there are the massive 295/35 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Supersports. The front brakes are equipped with mtm-defined Brembo monoblovk six-piston callipers and 405 x 36 mm brake discs. As a final party piece, the RS6 employs a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system with flaps in the front and main silencer for those special guttural sounds that will make ears bleed all around. MTM-Audi-S3-BBS-XA-Wheels-medium

There will also be another Audi (MTMs S3) on the stand that will showcase exclusively BBS’s new “XA”-type wheel, with 235/35 ZR 19 Pilot Super Sport tyres – an appropriate complement to a car that can do 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and reach 205 mph.

Source: MTM

November 28, 2013

Senner Bling the Nissan Juke Nismo

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Senner pride themselves with their work on various Nissan 350Z and 370Zs. But anything that’s worthy of the attention of Nismo is worthy of the attention of Senner. Enter the Nissan Juke Nismo – an already vicious powerhouse of aggressiveness, sportiness and testosterone.

The first thing you might notice about the Senner Juke is the prevailing black and white. It is an especially pronounced theme on the Oxigin Oxrock 14 wheels with a “white-wrap-refinement” on the rim well. We wouldn’t call it refinement though. Too flashy for our liking. The sizes: 9,5-inches wide, 20-inch diameter fitted with Continental Sport Contact 5P 255/30 tires. The whole vehicle also sits 35 mm lower to the ground with Senner’s springs

Senner haven’t really tried to improve on the Nismo aerodynamic package. Instead, they have went for small accesorizing – wind deflectors on the side windows, LED daytime running lights, LED license plate illumination and, of all things, Philips Silver Vision chromium flashing indicator bulbs.

Now to the more serious stuff. The Juke’s 1.6-liter engine has received a boost in power because of some witchcraft with the electronics and because of the brand new INJEN-Cold Air Intake module. That’s 225 hp (as opposed to 200 hp) and 275 Nm of torque (as opposed to 250 Nm).

For the appropriate soundtrack, Senner have thrown in their custom made stainless steel exhaust system with ridiculously wide end-pipes.

The whole thing, provided that you already happen to own a Nissan Juke Nismo, will cost you around $12,222. We can’t say if it’s worth it or not.

Source: Senner

November 27, 2013

More Powerful Yet True to The Original Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V LP-740

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Vorsteiner are getting more and more ambitious. Today we get a glimpse at their Aventador-V LP-740 programme… erm… for the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4. Starting to get the idea of what that package does? That’s right, the Lambo’s ECU has been tweaked to give out 40 hp more at the wheels (so it should be even more in the engine compartment).

Other than that. it’s mainly a visual feast. Though, it is hard to notice the actual modifications. That’s partly because the original Aventador is flamboyant enough, but also because Vorsteiner decided to go all subtle about it and not actually replace any panels throughout the body. Instead, they simply weaved a few carbon add-ons and glued them on so that they “maintain Lamborghini’s original design language“. It’s all about function apparently.

The front gets treated with two splitters on each side which should provide additional down force. An optional lower race lip spoiler can link the two splitters for more rigidity and give a tiny bit more visual flare. The Vorsteiner side skirts continue the vertical floating fin design seen at the front and also duct air to all the right directions. Finally, the Aventador-V package seeks to replace, yet recreate, the active aero rear wing in all of its carbon-fibery goodness. Vorsteiner are adamant that everything is OEM and thus no sacrifices will be made on the part of the lucky owner.

A couple of things more: the rear diffuser can be optionally swapped with a Vorsteiner one that’s made entirely of their quality pre-preg autoclaved carbon fiber materials. A graphic livery strip starts as a V at the Lamborghini badge and runs through the middle of the car. The Aventador-V we see here wears Vorsteiner’s Forged monoblock wheels that measure up 20×9 at the front and 21×13 and save from the total weight of the car.

Source: Vorsteiner

November 27, 2013

Citroen Introduces DS3 DS World Paris

Citroen has just unveiled a limited edition DS3 DS World Paris model which is specifically created in order to celebrate the opening of brand’s new flagship showroom – DS World Paris. The latter is located in the heart of the Parisian Golden Triangle on Rue François, which is in the vicinity of Champs-Elysées.

The venue is unique for Europe and commemorates DS models from the past and present. In fact, it showcases the line’s heritage, which dates back to 1955. For instance, there will be showcased the 1956 Citroën DS19.

The limited edition Citroen DS3 DS World Paris is an exclusive model which is inspired by Art Deco architecture. Of course, it is carries a DS World badge inlaid on the dashboard insert. More importantly, what makes the vehicle even more unique is the fact that its production will be limited to only 15 examples.

Furthermore, the model has an exquisite matte ash gray paint finish which is complemented by Trinitario brown finish on the exterior mirrors and the roof. The car runs on 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior of this DS3 limited edition features seats wrapped in Trinitario brown Nappa leather with contrast beige stitching. The same Nappa leather can be seen also on the central armrest, gear shift and dashboard insert.

Throughout 2014 at the DS World Paris showroom, Citroen will host a range of artistic and cultural events, ranging from fashion and gastronomy to art and design.

Source: Citroen

November 27, 2013

2M-Designs Updates Jaguar XF

2M Designs embarked on a project with the aim to tune the exclusive Jaguar XF and it definitely turned out fantastic. The Jaguar is equipped with 3.0 D-S bi-turbo engine matched to an eight gear paddle shift automatic transmission, and delivers 275 serial horsepower (202 kW)

First of all, the tuners decided to wrap the XF with PWF Diamond White foil in combination with Black Brushed one. The window tinting is dominated by a green tinge. Then they have equipped the masterful car with a special body kit which comprises of custom built diffusor in original carbon and exhaust system with the four end pipes delivered by Loder1899.

To make it even more exclusive, 2M-Designs has equipped the Jaguar XF with hollow spoke rims in 21 inches with 255/30ZR21 tires on front and 295/35ZR21 on the rear axle. In addition, the team also lowered the car by 35 mm thanks to the use with Eibach suspensions. The front and rear lamps were slightly tinted.

The 275 hp weren’t enough, so the designers have decided to make an increase of the power-output of the wildcat. The result is 340 hp, 5.4 seconds acceleration time for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint and 280 km/h top speed. To go even further into details, after the power-boost the car accelerates from 60 to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and from 80 up to 120 km/h in 4.0 seconds.

Source: Miranda Media

November 27, 2013

HRE Performance Enhances Dodge SRT Viper Twin Turbo

HRE Performance Dodge SRT Viper Twin Turbo P106 is a visual perfection. Not only because it carries the spirit of the SRT Viper, but also because this spirit is perfectly and harmoniously complemented by the glamorous wheels delivered by HRE Performance.

Undoubtedly, HRE is performance-driven company. The design of the wheels it produces combines strength, lightness and superior engineering. In this project the tuners have been inspired by the three-piece Series S1 line, and have created specifically for the Viper Monoblok interpretation of the Series P1 called P106.

To go further into details, the P106 is a split-six spoke design with a six lug bolt pattern. It is offered in diameters ranging from 19 to 22 inches and widths from 8.5 to 13 inches. Other design features here include sculpted spoke geometry and lightweight pocket machining, aggressive conical profiles and spokes that extend all the way to the wheel lip.

HRE P106s perfectly match the latest generation Viper. They also minimize unsprung mass and rotational inertia in order to deliver maximum acceleration, handling and braking performance. SRT Viper is powered by 8.4 liter all-aluminum V-10 overhead-valve engine.

The latter delivers exactly 640 horsepower (471 kW) and 813Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it the one with most torque of any naturally aspirated power units in the world.

Source: HRE Performance Wheels

November 27, 2013

AC Schnitzer BMW 5 Series Touring LCI Debuts At Essen Motor Show

AC Schnitzer BMW 5 Series Touring LCI is celebrating its world premiere at the 2013 Essen Motor Show, which will happen between 30th and 8th of December. For this project, the tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer have developed a complete product range for the BMW 5 Series Touring model.

The enhancements include performance upgrades, exhaust systems, wheel and tyre combinations, aerodynamic bodystyling components and accessories for the interior. In addition, the tuners also offer a power boost for the diesel or petrol engines, in both rear-wheel and xDrive variants.

In fact, the enhancements in power, depending on the engine, are estimated between 34 and 94 horsepower. In addition, the sports rear silencers made of stainless steel include chromed tailpipes and deliver harmonious accent.

There are also a lot of wheel-tyre combinations offered for the 5 Series LCI series. For instance there are available alloy wheels in BiColor or silver, forged racing rims in BiColor, or a Type V forged alloys in 20”.

The accessory range offered for this BMW includes a complete aerodynamic bodykit, aluminium accessories such as pedal sets and gear knobs, and velours foot mats.

Available parts for AC Schnitzer BMW 5 Series Touring LCI:

Engine:	AC Schnitzer performance upgrades for BMW 520d with 135 kW/184 HP to 160 kW/218 HP for BMW 525d with 160 kW/218 HP to 190 kW/258 HP for BMW 530d with 190 kW/258 HP to 227 kW/309 HP for BMW 535d with 230 kW/313 HP to 264 kW/360 HP for BMW 528i with 180 kW/245 HP to 216 kW/294 HP for BMW 535i with 225 kW/306 HP to 265 kW/360 HP for BMW 550i with 330 kW/449 HP to 386 kW/525 HP AC Schnitzer instrument display, expansion up to 330 km/h AC Schnitzer engine optics
Exhaust:	AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with 2 chromed “Sports Trim” tail trims or the brand new, round “Sport” tail trims AC Schnitzer “Racing” tail trims, chromed AC Schnitzer “Sport” tail trims, chromed
Brakes:	AC Schnitzer 8-piston high performance brake system for the front axle, consisting of: 8-piston brake calliper, left – right brake discs, left – right (depending on the basic engine) brake pads, set brake calliper mounting bracket, left – right brake pipes, left – right (country specific)
Suspension:	AC Schnitzer spring kit, lowering approx. 25 mm
Aerodynamics:	AC Schnitzer front spoiler AC Schnitzer side skirts AC Schnitzer rear spoiler for saloon AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler AC Schnitzer bonnet vents AC Schnitzer rear skirt insert AC Schnitzer rear skirt protection foil
Interior:	AC Schnitzer “Evo” sports airbag steering wheel AC Schnitzer gear shift knob, illuminated AC Schnitzer gear shift knob with digital shift display AC Schnitzer aluminium gear shift knob “Black Line” AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rest and pedals AC Schnitzer trunk mat, velours AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours
Wheel/Tyre sets:	AC Schnitzer Type VIII Lightweight Forged Wheels BiColor front: 9.0 x 21″ offset 26 with tyres 255/30 R 21 rear: 10 x 21″ offset 37,5 with tyres 295/25 R 21 AC Schnitzer Type VIII Racing Forged Wheels BiColor front: 9.0 x 21″ offset 26 with tyres 255/30 R 21 rear: 10 x 21″ offset 37,5 with tyres 295/25 R 21 AC Schnitzer Type VIII Wheels BiColor Black or Silver front: 8.5 x 18“ offset 27 with tyres 245/45 R 18 rear: 8.5 x 18“ offset 23 with tyres 245/45 R 18 front: 8.5 x 19″ offset 27 with tyres 245/40 R 19 rear: 8.5 x 19″ offset 23 with tyres 245/40 R 19 front: 8.5 x 19″ offset 27 with tyres 245/40 R 19 rear: 9.5 x 19″ offset 33 with tyres 275/35 R 19 front: 8.5 x 20″ offset 15 with tyres 245/35 R 20 rear: 10.0 x 20″ offset 34 with tyres 285/30 R 20 front: 8.5 x 20″ offset 27 with tyres 255/35 R 20 rear: 8.5 x 20″ offset 23 with tyres 255/35 R 20 AC Schnitzer Type V Lightweight Forged Wheels BiColor or Anthracite front: 9.0 x 20″ offset 19 with tyres 245/35 R 20 rear: 9.0 x 20″ offset 33 with tyres 285/30 R 20 AC Schnitzer Type IV Wheels Silver front: 8.5 x 19″ offset 27 with tyres 245/40 R 19 rear: 8.5 x 19″ offset 23 with tyres 245/40 R 19 AC Schnitzer Type IV Wheels BiColor Black front: 8.5 x 19″ offset 27 with tyres 245/40 R 19 rear: 8.5 x 19″ offset 23 with tyres 245/40 R 19 front: 8.5 x 19″ offset 27 with tyres 245/40 R 19 rear: 9.5 x 19″ offset 33 with tyres 275/35 R 19 front: 9.0 x 20″ offset 32 with tyres 255/35 R 20 rear: 9.0 x 20″ offset 32 with tyres 255/35 R 20 front: 9.0 x 20″ offset 32 with tyres 245/35 R 20 rear: 10.0 x 20“ offset 40 with tyres 285/30 R 20 front: 9.0 x 20″ offset 32 with tyres 255/35 R 20 rear: 10.0 x 20“ offset 40 with tyres 285/30 R 20

Source: AC Schnitzer

November 27, 2013

Volvo Polestar S60 and V60 Revealed

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They are here! The new (ice) cool Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar machines that is. These two crowd-pleasers have drawn inspiration from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar and are to mark “the start of an extended Polestar production model range.” Yes please.

So what are these for?

Not a fan of the M3? Go for the underdog then; or for that slightly bigger underdog, the V60. The point is, there will always be some appeal in the non-mainstream.

Are they any good though?

Of course they are. Well, not 444 hp (BMW M3) good, but still packing a punch.Keep in mind that we are talking about a T6 (six-cylinder) engine that still puts out 350 hp at 5700 rpm and the amazing 500 Nm of torque at barely 2800 rpm. That power is sent to all fours through the Polestar developed Haldex all-wheel drive system and the six-speed automatic gearbox. No wording on anything with a stick, just paddle shifts. As a result the Polestars propel themselves from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and have a limited top speed of 155 mph

It’s not just sheer grunt though. The Polestar boffins have worked on the chassis, making the springs 80% stiffer than the standard ones on the S60 R-Design. Inside of them, they have slid high-performance Öhlins shock absorbers to cope with the stresses. A highlight of handling are also the front 371 mm brake disks with six-piston Brembo calipers on them. Minor aerodynamic tweaking has also been at play when developing the Polestar S/V 60 (as the teaser suggested). The ones with the most keen eyes will notice the subtle front splitter, the rear spoiler and the diffusor at the lower end.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPJ-ttLB-cc

Here’s a list that bares it all:

Full Technical Specification

Performance

0-62 mph 4.9 sec

0-124 mph 17.7 sec

Top speed 155 mph – Electronically limited

Chassis

Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system

Polestar bespoke rims, 8×20” ET53 with 245/35R20 tyres

Engine

6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc

350 hp @ 5700 rpm

500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 2800-4750 rpm

Max 6500 rpm

New twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo

New intercooler

Polestar 2.5” stainless full-flow exhaust system with twin 3.5” tail pipes

Weight

V60 Polestar: 1822 kg

Transmission

AWF21 automatic gearbox with paddle shift system

Polestar transmission calibration for faster gearshifts, launch control and curve-hold functionality

Polestar Haldex calibration for more rear torque dynamic distribution

Polestar calibrated stability control system

Brakes

Front: Polestar/Brembo 6 piston brake calipers

371×32 mm ventilated and floating Brembo discs

Rear: 302×22 mm ventilated discs

Source: Volvo

November 26, 2013

B&B Automobiltechnik Beef Up the Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street

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The Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street is, and there is no other way to put it, a rally car that can do grocery runs. It is truly an exceptional specimen that is limited to only 2500 units worldwide. The one you see here, however, is different from its brothers and sisters. B&B Automobiltechnik have taken up the job of creating something mad from an already mad thing.

Take its 2.0 TSI engine for example. It normally develops 220 hp which is already well above sensible (for an FWD car). The guys at B&B can buff that output up to 362, depending on which stage you want to draw the line. The first stage is a package of performance tweaks that includes ECU modifications and optimization of the air guides and suction paths. That’s how you get 310 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Stage two adds to that a larger front exhaust pipe and the charging air’s pressure gets increased by 0.25 bar – 326 hp and 457 Nm. To get to 362 hp and 510 Nm, stage three consists of a high-pressure fuel pump, a high-performance charging air cooler and a special oil-cooling system.

The suspension, on the other hand, can be treated with a height, compression and rebound-adjustable B&B coilover kit that’s supposed to be perfectly in tune with the VW Polo R WRC; and a set of 20/30 millimeter springs. Cough up a little bit more money and you can get the optional B&B front and rear axle stabilizers.

The final touches on the Polo R concern the exterior – an aerodynamic package brings the Street closer to its prototype, namely the Volkswagen Polo R WRC rally car. Oh, and don’t forget the wheels. We are talking 8×18 inch alloys with tires of 225/35R16 all around. Delicious.

Source: B&B Automobiltechnik

November 26, 2013

Loder1899 Present Their Ford Fiesta ST

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The Ford Fiesta ST is an impressive little speed imp as it is. Add some German engineering from Loder1899 to the equation, however, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for unlimited fun and a monthly expense for new tires.

Because of the new exhaust system with a sport cat module, an intecooler and some clever engine management fiddling, the Loder1899 Fiesta has 52 hp and 95 Nm of torque more than the outgoing ST. That’s 235 hp and 335 Nm of torque good for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Not bat for what is essentially a 1.6 Ecoboost that, supposedly will return 6 liters per 100 km of fuel economy on the combined cycle.

To ensure that all of the power is utilized, Loder1899 have also added a Bilstein B14 suspension kit and some lowering springs that put the fiesta -25 mm closer to the ground. For stopping power, there have been provided an ST Big Brake braking system with 318 mm discs 4-pot calipers. To round it off, for around $2100 or 2820, you can go respectively with a set of Matzuda 7.5×18 silver wheels or four black Assetto wheels of the same size. The 205/35R18 tires are also included in the price.

Source: Loder1899

November 26, 2013

End Of Production For The Iconic Lamborghini Gallardo

The very last Lamborghini Gallardo has left the production line in the historic factory buildings of Sant’Agata Bolognese. The final model is a Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante colored in the red paint finish Rosso Mars and which is already destined for a private collector.

In fact, the Gallardo has been produced with a total of 14,022 units which makes it the most successful super sports cars. It is literally an icon of Italian design. The first Gallardo model appeared ten years ago at Geneva Motor Show in order to mark company’s 40th anniversary. The name of the Gallardo was inspired by the world of bullfighting. Gallardo was a bloodline of bulls known for its exceptional courage and undaunted nature.

Another interesting historical fact is that in the first four decades of the existence of Lamborghini, an average of just 250 vehicles were built per year. Since the appearance of Gallardo, the production grew to a whole new dimension with volumes of around 2,000 cars per year on average.

The first ever 2003 Gallardo mesmerized the public with its extreme design, phenomenal lightweight dynamics and outstanding quality, and also included amazing handling and safety provided by permanent all-wheel drive. Later in 2005, the Gallardo Spyder joined the lineup, followed by Gallardo Superleggera in 2007. The latter had reduced weight, thanks to the extensive utilization of carbon fiber components; it also delivered 530 hp (390 kw).

2008 marked the debut of the second generation Gallardo, that had a redesigned front and rear, a new engine with gasoline direct injection pushing out 560 hp (412 kW), and it carried the name LP 560-4. In the same year was the premiere of the second-generation Spyder as well.

Two years later was introduced the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera with an increase in output to 570 hp (420 kW), as well as the open-top Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni limited edition and the LP 550-2 Spyder, featured a rearwheel drive and appealed to sports car fans.

The pinnacle of sporting performance among the total of 32 Gallardo variants was marked by the Super Trofeo Stradale and, finally – the Gallardo Squadra Corse, which boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms and has a power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per horsepower. This only means a breathtaking performance: the sportscar manages to cover the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration sprint in 3.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 320 km/h.

The Gallardo was sold in 45 countries. 2013 marks Automobili Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary, and also the last ever built Gallardo with car number 14,022. Since the company has found in 1963, almost half of all 30,000 Lamborghinis are Gallardos.

Source: Lamborghini

November 26, 2013

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