Automobiles Review – Page 651 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Alfa Romeo 4C – 8:04 Nurburgring Lap Time

Alfa Romeo has confirmed the Nurburgring lap time of 4C. The small sports car manage to cross the finish line in 8 minutes and 4 seconds. For example BMW M3 E92 with 420HP has a time of 8 minutes and 5 seconds and Renault Megane RS Trophy in 8:07 (which is a new record for a FWD car).

Behind the steering wheel was Horst von Saurma who proved on September 12 the Alfa Romeo 4C is the faster car with less than 250HP to lap the Nurburgring.

2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) at 6,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km (41.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. All these figures are thanks to the super-low weight of 4C – just 895kg (1973 lb).

It is equipped with Pirelli “AR” P Zero Trofeo tires which were specially developed for this model over the course of less than a year. They are available in two size combinations – 17” front and 18” rear or 18” front and 19” rear.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn1OLYboRbE

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 18, 2013

2014 Audi A3 Cabriolet – Hits the Market Next Spring

Audi is starting production of the 2014 A3 Cabriolet at the company plant in Hungary. The A3 Cabriolet is distinctive already with its flowing lines and fabric soft-top. It is also at the pinnacle of its segment in technical terms – with consistently applied lightweight construction, the latest engine technology, versatile networking and highly effective assistance systems.

2014 Audi A3 is set to be launched next spring with pricing starting from €31,700. Audi also builds the next generation of the Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster in the same plant. The company has invested a total of more than €900 million in buildings and equipment at this site.

The engine range of A3 Cabriolet includes a 1.4 liter TFSI – 140HP (103 kW), a 1.8 liter TFSI – 180HP (132 kW) and a 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (110 kW). We also expect an S3 Cabriolet with 2.0 liter TFSI delivering 300HP (221 kW).

Source: Audi

October 18, 2013

2014 Durango Special Service SUV Joins Dodge’s Range Of Fleet Vehicles

2014 Dodge Durango Special Service SUV will be complementing the range of fleet vehicles of the police and fire agencies as well as the general fleet customers. This Durango embodies the perfect combination of capability, fuel economy and utility.

As a standard it is equipped with a new eight-speed transmission, which also contributes towards the improvement of the fuel economy of up to 25 miles per gallon. In addition, it has ability to tow as much as 7,400-pounds. Vehicle’s driving range is of over 600 miles, and what is more it features a whole host of safety technologies.

This Special Service model also includes additional components which were especially designed for the rigors of daily fleet use. Some instances are the heavy-duty brake package, heavy-duty battery, larger-output 220-amp alternator, heavy-duty water pump and engine oil cooler, and a load leveling suspension.

Other features included in the interior of the 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service are the programmable 7-inch display in the gauge cluster, the Uconnect 5.0-inch touch screen with voice command and Bluetooth, a media hub for USB, SD media card and auxiliary jack integration and Bluetooth streaming audio.

In addition, there have been also included special service headliner and red and white interior dome lamp and spot lamp wiring prep. The Durango’s third-row of seats has been removed in order to deliver more cargo capacity.

This Special Service SUV also includes a customizable rear cargo area with under-floor storage compartments and additional storage in the side compartments. For the bright visual characteristics of this Dodge Durango take car new LED daytime running lamps and rear race track tail lamps.

Some of the optional features included here are for example the Skid Plate Group for all-wheel drive models, ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, a Trailer Tow Group, Engine Block Heater and Uconnect Access Via Mobile capability.

In terms of safety and security, the Special Service models are unsurpassed given that they offer more than 60 features: standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation (ERM), Hill-start Assist and standard Trailer-sway Control (TSC), Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking, seat-mounted and side-curtain air bags in the front row, and standard front-row active head restraints.

This Durango is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that is mated to an eight-speed transmission. The unit produces 290 horsepower (213 kW) and a maximum torque of 352 Nm (260 lb.-ft.). As an option the brand offers the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower (265 kW) and 528 Nm (390 lb.-ft.). It has the towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.

The instrument panel has been also refined and now includes redesigned center stack. In the latter are housed 5-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens. The bottom of the center stack houses a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet, auxiliary jacks, and a storage bin.

In addition, the center console features new rotary shifter for the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The manual shift functions have been removed and now are replaced with paddle shifters on the back of the Durango’s steering wheel. Furthermore, the instrument cluster also features high-tech treatment and now includes a full-color 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) screen.

2014 Dodge Durango Special Service SUV was specifically designed for the demands and rigors of fleet duty. It will meet the needs of a wide range of fleet customers across the United States and Canada.

No additional details around the distribution of the model in other countries have been released so far. The production of 2014 Dodge Durango Special Service is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Source: Dodge

October 18, 2013

MINI John Cooper Works Paceman With Frozen Black Metallic Paint

MINI brand is expanding its range of exterior paint finishes for the current models with the inclusion of an exclusive new Frozen Black metallic paint. The latter is available as a limited edition colour for the top of the range MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman models.

The brand highlighted that the new paint has a textured, shimmering matt finish, which contributes for vehicle’s striking and impressive appearance. In addition, the Frozen Black exterior colour and finish will be also offered for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

To go even further into details, the special paint finish was developed via the utilization of a sophisticated manufacturing process which is only exclusive to BMW Group. The painting procedure includes innovative technology and a high level of manual craftsmanship.

In this case, the process is being applied for the first time by brand’s partner Magna Steyr. First of all, the special surface treatment encloses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, secondly – the colour layer, and thirdly – the clear lacquer finish. The latter also includes silicates in order to create the matted impression and the velvet effect.

The exterior parts which are attached at a later time, like the front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps, were also finished separately in Frozen Black metallic. Due to the labor intensive process, typically attributed for example to an independent BMW specialist, the production of cars with this exterior color will be limited to a restricted number of cars.

What is left to be said is that the Frozen Black metallic finish has also abrasion resistance and color fidelity. It is entirely weather resistant and car wash resistant. BMW has also developed care products for the special treatment of this metallic paint finish.

Source: BMW

October 18, 2013

Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice At Road Atlanta

Christian Szymczak behind the wheel of Mazda MX-5 has achieved the fastest time in practice one of the preparation for Rounds 11 and 12 for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup. At the second and third place were Sebastian Landy and Elliott Skeer, respectively.

To be more precise, Szymczak recorded a time of 1:39.650 (91.761 mph) on the 12-turn and 2.54-mile road course. The driver aims that these numbers will be enough for the qualification for the pole, given that the track was slippery.

In addition, he also disclosed that the focus was put not only in the preparation for a particular session, but also on the development of the car, thanks to which the MX-5 will get better and better.

An interesting highlight about the MX-5 is that thanks to it mazda offers available at Lifestyle to its customers extra-satisfying handling and linear responsiveness. The latest facelifted version of the vehicle debuted at the end of last year. It has more aggressive road stance and is equipped with new and innovative safety technology. The car is powered by either a 126 hp (93 kW) MZR 1.8-litre matched with a five-speed manual transmission or the 160 hp (118 kW) MZR 2.0-litre with automatic or manual six-speed transmissions.

The second quickest lap was achieved by Landy, who needed only 1:39.830 (91.595 mph) to complete it. As a matter of fact, this is driver’s personal high score, when compared to those he achieved in any other official session of 2013.

He also confirmed the slipperiness of the track, but emphasized that the longer he ran, the more grip he had. The 30-minute session was ended by Skeer for a time of 1:39.854 (91.573 mph), which secured him the third place and who also have the desire to qualify for the pole.

Season’s final race taking is scheduled to start today at 8:10 a.m. (EDT).

Source: Mazda

October 18, 2013

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463

Prior Design has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463. The big off-roader comes with a lot of styling modifications.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package in two version – Wide (for €12,900) and Non-wide (for €6,900). The package includes a new front bumper, front and rear extentions and a new hood. There is also a new rear bumper and diffuser.

All components are made from dura-flex FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) and are compatible with all G-Class W463 models.

As an option, Prior Design offers massive 23” DPE alloy wheels for €7,900 and a tire cover for €1,199.

The interior boasts a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Source: Prior Design

October 17, 2013

Magnum MK5: New Racecar To Be Born [VIDEO]

Another teaser for the day comes from the Canadian manufacturer Magnum Cars, but this time in video form. The racecar specialists are going to introduce to the automotive world very soon a new lightweight supercar.

The veil will be lifted on 30th of October, when the high performance two-seater supercar, named the Magnum MK5 will show its full glory. What has been revealed so far is that the vehicle will be both street-legal and track-focused.

The development of the MK5 went through thorough and extensive track testing. With this project, the brand is hoping to enter a new segment of the specialized automotive world and to deliver to the customers stronger vision and focus towards future innovations.

In fact, Magnum Cars is the first Canadian car manufacturer which is to hit the international track-day car market. Boasting racecar performance and supercar build quality and styling, the MK5 is expected to take the lead in the lightweight supercar category thanks to the utilization of the latest technologies, techniques and material.

httpv://vimeo.com/76920395

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Magnum Cars

October 17, 2013

2014 Cadillac ELR – Active Noise Cancelling

The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR is so quiet when running on battery power that the electrified luxury coupe’s development team took care to keep it that way when the on-board gas-powered electric generator turns on for extended-range driving.

ELR uses Active Noise Cancelling to preserve the peace and quiet. While most cars that use this type of sound-neutralizing technology aim simply to mute exhaust boom at low engine speeds, such as when idling, ELR uses it across all engine speeds.

The special system electronically gathers input from the vehicle’s generator and powertrain, as well as from three ceiling-mounted microphones. The system calculates and produces the appropriate noise-cancelling signal, which is delivered through the premium Bose audio system.

ELR uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including:

Acoustically laminated windshield and thicker front-door glass
Liquid-applied sound deadener applied to the floor pan, trunk and roof
Triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors
Mass-efficient sound-absorbing dash mat and carpet system
Acoustic foam baffles inside body cavities and in between inner and outer quarter panels
An isolated front suspension cradle with hydraulic powertrain mounts to isolate road and engine vibration

ELR will hit the US market in the beginning of 2014.

Source: Cadillac

October 17, 2013

2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight SE Teased

MINI brand in the United States is going to release its first and very special version of a Countryman. It was announced that this edition will be “covered” with one of the most impressive paints in the BMW’s car range, namely the Frozen Black matt paint.

In addition it was also disclosed that the uniquely styled model is to carry the name “The Black Knight” and similarly to the Frozen Black Edition BMW E92 M3 it is to have a limited production of only 60 units.

Those interested in buying one of these sixty examples have to immediately register, because only the first 60 will be those lucky to be the future customers of the Black Night. MINI has also ensured that the vehicles will be full of versatile equipment. However, there will be some optional features such as the Two-Wheel or the All-Wheel-Drive (ALL4), and the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

Additional information on the 2014 MINI Countryman Black Knight Special Edition will be available near release. Until then, what is left to enjoy the two teaser images of the car that the brand has released.

Source: motoringfile

October 17, 2013

Chevrolet To Introduce Impala Bi-Fuel CNG Next Year

General Motors is going to build 2015 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel CNG vehicle which is going to operate on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG). The model is expected to hit the showrooms in the summer of 2015 and it is created in order to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the OPEC Oil Embargo – The National Summit on Energy Security.

In addition, the bi-fuel Impala is an example of utilizing affordable technology with the aim of minimizing the oil consumption and saving consumers money at the gas station. The use of natural gas is always associated with cleaner energy source when compared to petroleum, and in addition it costs much less than the latter.

To be more precise, the CNG vehicles usually have 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars. 2015 Impala Bi-Fuel is going to be equipped with factory-engineered powertrain that switches from CNG to gasoline. Its total range is expected to be up to 500 miles.

In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Spark EV and the upcoming Cadillac ELR, the new 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is now going to be equipped with a start-stop technology as a standard. Thanks to it, the vehicle is expected to achieve a fuel economy rated at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

Source: Chevrolet

October 17, 2013

SRT Viper Color Contest – An Opportunity to be Original

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand is giving someone a chance to make their mark on automotive history as the color palette for the 2014 Dodge SRT Viper gains a new entry.

The contest gives fans a chance to submit and choose an official new exterior color name of the 2014 SRT Viper. The fan who submits the winning name will win a trip to the ‘2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona’ at Daytona International Speedway and the opportunity to spend time with the Viper Design team throughout the race weekend.

“The SRT Viper Color Contest gives our Viper enthusiasts an opportunity to be original, creative and contribute to the exterior design of our flagship American supercar,” commented Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – (SRT) Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Already available in a wide array of exterior color combinations, which provides our owners a way to personalize their cars, this contest is a great way for our dedicated fans to connect with the SRT brand and become an authentic part of Viper history.”, Mr. Gilles added.

Source: SRT

October 17, 2013

TEASER: Chrysler Previews The New Mopar ’14

Chrysler Group has just released a teaser image of the limited-edition Mopar ’14 that will make an official debut next month. The premiere will happen at Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The new muscle-car is prepared especially for those who love high octane and customizable performance. In fact, the Mopar ’14 will be one of the 20 customized vehicles on display at the event. Some of the vehicles included in the exhibit are the Mopar ’10 Challenger, Mopar ’11 Charger, Mopar ’12 300, and Mopar ’13 Dart. Jeep Performance Parts will be also on display.

Mopar is Chrysler’s service, parts and customer-care brand and its global portfolio features more than 500,000 parts and accessories distributed throughout more than 130 markets. The brand’s parts are one-of-a-kind and more importantly are engineered with the same precision by the same teams that create the factory Chrysler vehicles.

To make an impressive example, Mopar has introduced so far many industry-first features such as vehicle-information apps, electronic owner manuals, Wi-Fi inside the vehicle, wireless charging, Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS), wiAdvisor and wiTech. Another instance is the 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak which was the firs car that was equipped with 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package.

Source: Chrysler

October 17, 2013

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