Automobiles Review – Page 676 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Opel Adam LPG – EU Price €16,150

Opel has unveiled a more economical bi-fuel version of the Adam, which is now able to run on LPG. The new ADAM 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX is optimized for operation with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), but can also run on gasoline – the driver can have the remaining driving range readout shown on the digital instrument display at any time.

2013 Opel Adam LPG is powered by a four-cylinder 1.4 liter ecoFLEX petrol with 87HP (64 kW). It needs 6.9 liters / 100 km (34 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of only 112 g/km when running on LPG.

The LPG tank is under the floor in the rear which means cargo capacity has been preserved as well as the safety. It can hold 35 liters, which means that the Adam has a range of approximately 500 km (310 miles), while together with the gasoline tank it will do around 1,200 km (745 miles).

2013 Opel Adam LPG is priced from €16,150 (VAT included) in Germany.

With the ADAM 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX, Opel expands its LPG fleet to ten models: the Corsa (three and five-door), Astra (five-door and Sports Tourer), Meriva and Zafira Tourer as well as the new Insignia (four and five-door sedans, Sports Tourer) are already available as bi-fuel LPG versions.

Source: Opel

August 22, 2013

Lexus LS TMG – 650HP and 710Nm [video]

Lexus has published an interesting video showing their super powerful LS TMG 650. The car is prepared by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

Lexus LS TMG 650 was built to present how TMG’s Formula One technology can benefit road-going models.

The power is coming from a 5.0 liter twin-turbo V8 with 650HP (478 kW) and 710Nm (524 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

“There’s no concrete plan for this car to go into any kind of production” commented Alastair Moffitt.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79p1sebEp10

Source: Lexus

August 22, 2013

VUHL 05 Enters Production

The exclusive new model VUHL 05 was officially revealed in the beginning of July. Then it made a highly successful public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. At the event were shown a complete car and separate chassis, and then the capabilities of the car were demonstrated on the hill by Esteban Gutierrez.

The success it gained there now leads to the logical consequence of the start of production of the innovative VUHL 05 in November this year. The first cars are planned to enter customers’ hands during the spring of next year.

Having a sports car spirit, the VUHL 05 generates its power from a 2-litre version of Ford’s award-winning DOHC turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The output of the unit is estimated at 285 hp (210 kW) and it can produce 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. Therefore it is now wonder that the car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 245 km/h.

The company EXTE, which has created the vehicle, collaborated for this project with Magna Steyr, Multimatic and Ford. The VŪHL 05 is made thanks to funding by the Mexican Government as well as private enterprise.

The next public appearance of the silver and black prototype is going to be at Salon Privé in London, which will take place between 4th and 6th of September.

Source: VUHL

August 22, 2013

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle Now With More Horsepower

Ford has revealed its new vehicle created especially for the police agencies. Soon they will be able to order a Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle which will give them more power than ever: 365 horsepower (268 kW), thanks to the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine the machine is equipped with.

The engine also generates 474 Nm (350 lb.-ft.) of torque and we have seen it already in the Police Interceptor sedan and Ford F-150 trucks. What is more, the new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is designed to meet the demand of increased equipment, pursuit-capable performance and handling.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost will offer best-in-class performance and excellent fuel economy. What this means is that the enforcement agencies will be ensured to have great levels of capability with no compromise.

Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that outperforms the known V8 engines. The Police Interceptor sedan is offered with a choice of three powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, 3.7-liter V6 with all-wheel drive and the powerhouse 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with all-wheel drive. These three units allow the police to choose the powerplant that best meets their patrol requirements.

Source: Ford

August 22, 2013

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-In Hybrid To Debut In Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-In Hybrid is the third hybrid model of the new S-Class. It comes to new standards in terms of efficiency, drive-system and climate comfort. The new Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicle emits only 69 g/km of CO2 and returns 94.2 mpg.

In fact, the new S-Calss can cover 100 kilometres with just three litres of fuel. It is equipped with 80-kW electric drive with externally rechargeable battery which contributes towards emission-free driving for about 18 miles. The electric motor is coupled 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine.

Some additional features included in the new model are the second-generation recuperative braking system and the anticipatory Intelligent HYBRID energy management system. What is more, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery of the car offers the option of being recharged from an external source with a charging socket located on the right side of the rear bumper.

Four hybrid operating modes can be selected at the push of a button, these are HYBRID, E-MODE (electric power only), E-SAVE (fully charged battery is reserved to be able to drive on electric power alone later), CHARGE (battery is charged while driving).

However, the most important highlight of the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid is its power output of 333 hp (245 kW) of the combustion engine plus 109 hp (80 kW) electric motor and torque of 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of the combustion engine plus 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) of the electric motor.

These figures make it possible for the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h for only 5.5 seconds. The top speed here is 155 mph.

The second-generation S-Class hybrids include an anticipatory energy management system which serves in terms of enhancing the energy efficiency. The operating strategy of the hybrid drive system accounts for the current driving condition and driver input. Additionally, it also adjusts to the likely route for the next five miles.

Moreover, the new S-Class is the first to use a recuperative braking system (RBS) of the second generation. It basically ensures an unnoticeable overlapping of the conventional mechanical brakes and the electric braking performance of the electric motor in alternator mode.

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-In Hybrid will make its official debut in Frankfurt next month, while the market launch of the car will in 2014.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 22, 2013

Land Rover Launches First Hybrid Range Rover Models

Land Rover has just presented its first-ever hybrid models: Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid. With them, the brand aims to deliver better fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions, but also to keep the emblematic for the Range Rover capability and performance.

The two all-aluminium models are based on Land Rover’s Premium Lightweight Architecture. In addition, they are also equipped with an identical powertrain, thanks to which they will become world’s first premium diesel SUV hybrids.

2014 Range Rover Hybrid has a powertrain which includes three driver-selectable modes and combines Land Rover’s popular 3-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35 kW electric motor. The car is equipped with 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Furthermore, the hybrid system, which also features lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 120kg.

In fact, the electric motor produces 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) torque and is active when the vehicle is in EV Mode. What is more, it is also used as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking. This means that it charges the battery when the vehicle is slowing.

When the driver selects the EV mode, the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30 mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6 km). Afterwards, the diesel engine restarts. Both the diesel engine and electric motor has a combined output of 340 hp (250 kW) at 4,000 rpm and generate 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500-3,000rpm.

Range Rover Sport Hybrid and Sport Hybrid accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in under seven seconds on their way to a top speed of 135mph (218km/h). The CO2 emissions are estimated at 169g/km, equivalent to 44.1mpg on the combined cycle.

The design of the new models is created according to the new hybrid technology included in them. For instance, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boron-steel cradle. The vehicle however, retains its five-seat capacity and luggage space as well as the full-size spare wheel. Both hybrid Range Rover models also include Land Rover’s four-wheel drive system that features Terrain Response 2.

Technical Specifications

	Range Rover Hybrid	Range Rover Sport Hybrid
Engine type	3.0 SDV6 HEV	3.0 SDV6 HEV
Power PS/rpm	340PS@4000	340PS@4000
Torque Nm/rpm	700@1500-3000	700@1500-3000
0-62mph / 0-100km/h secs	6.9	6.7
Top speed mph (km/h)	135 (218)	140 (225)
CO2 Combined g/km	169	169
Combined consumption mpg (L/100km)	44.1 (6.4)	44.1 (6.4)
Weight From… kg	2394	2372

Source: Land Rover

August 22, 2013

2014 Audi A8 Facelift – Price €74,500 [video]

Audi has finally revealed the facelift version of the A8. The 2014 A8/S8 range will be available in Germany starting November – from €74,500.

The exterior boasts a revised front bumper, new front grille and more sculpted hood. There are also LED headlights (standard for V8 models) and Matrix LED headlights available as an option featuring 25 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Other highlight are the sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.

At the rear, there are also LED taillights as well as reworked rear bumper featuring two rhomboid tailpipes (except the S8 model). There are new chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames. The manufacturer offers twelve paint schemes and wheels in sizes up to 21”.

The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms (4,034 lbs) – best-in-class for models with all-wheel drive. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum; an Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kilograms (509 lbs).

The engine range includes a 3.0 liter V6 TFSI with 310HP (228 kW), a 4.0 liter V8 TFSI with 435HP (320 kW) and 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 258HP (190 kW) as well as 4.2 liter V8 TDI with 385HP (283 kW). The top-of-range A8 L W12 quattro comes with a 6.3 liter W12 petrol with 500HP (368 kW). The S8 has a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 TFSI with 520HP (380 kW).

The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI and and an electric motor – combined power of 245HP (180 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft), which is more than enough for decent dynamics. The conventional engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear axle.

The 3.0 TDI clean diesel needs just 5.9 liters / 100 km (40 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of just 155 g/km. The 6.3 liter W12 boasts best-in-class fuel consumption of 11.7 liters / 100 km (20 mpg US). The hybrid version averages 6.3 liters / 100 km (37.3 mpg US). All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard. Friction-reducing measures reduce consumption by as much as 10 %.

The interior boasts super luxury like ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L. The latter can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped center console, as well as other optional goodies like four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.

As is typical for Audi, the new A8 features exemplarily clear controls despite the abundance of functions. Taking center stage is the MMI control element on the tunnel’s center console. MMI navigation plus also includes a touchpad. The driver draws characters on the pad (MMI touch) to control numerous navigation and multimedia functions.

Audi connect including car phone is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect to the car, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news. The multimedia highlight is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The Rear Seat Entertainment system includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM5yGR1LWIo

Source: Audi

August 21, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – EU Price €44,990

Chevrolet has announced the 2014 Camaro Convertible, which will make its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Camaro is expected to hit the market in the end of this year with German pricing starting from €39,990 for the coupe and €44,990 for the convertible.

The 2014 Camaro Convertible has new front and rear bumpers, revised front grille and new head- and taillights. The stylish car also has a new MyLink infotainment system with a 7” touchscreen display and Bluetooth/ USB/AUX connectivity.

The European version is powered by a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 432HP (318 kW) and 569Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds for the coupe and 5.4 seconds for the slightly more heavier convertible.

“Camaro has always been associated with iconic design, high performance and driving fun, and we are particularly proud of the new coupe and convertible models,” said Dr. Thomas Sedran, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe.

“They incorporate new high-tech features that add extra convenience and give customers even more value for their money”, he added.

Source: Chevrolet

August 21, 2013

Vauxhall Monza Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

Vauxhall has published some pictures of their Monza Concept, which is expected to make its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The futuristic vehicle boasts cutting-edge LED projection infotainment and an evolution of the Ampera’s revolutionary powertrain.

The Monza is a 4-seater concept 4,690 mm long, 1,310 mm tall and has been modeled after “ocean waves lapping on the shore”. It also has a lot of headroom and a generous cargo capacity of 500 liters. The gullwing doors help getting inside easily.

The interior features a wide and sculpted dashboard that extends from one door to the other which is used as a single projection surface. There are 18 LEDs creating the multi-functional display showing information and decorative elements.

Vauxhall Monza is powered by an electric drive with a compressed natural gas (CNG) range extender. The three-cylinder 1.0 liter SIDI turbo has been modified to run on natural gas giving even better results in fuel economy.

“The Monza Concept represents the Opel/Vauxhall car of tomorrow. On one hand, it embodies everything that already characterises Opel/Vauxhall – precision engineering combined with innovative technologies wrapped in captivating design. In addition, it addresses the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of Opel/Vauxhall cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.” ,” commented Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel/Vauxhall CEO.

Source: Monza

August 21, 2013

2014 Lexus IS Sport deviantART To Be Displayed At SEMA

2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan was revealed to the world at this year’s North American International Auto Show. In November the model will make a big entrance at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where it will catch the attention thanks to its new aggressive exterior styling visible through the new spindle grille, wider stance and sporty rocker panels.

In order to make the IS Spsort stand out even more, Lexus joined forces with DeviantART to find creative personas who have their own vision of the exterior presence of the car. For this reason, they have challenged the design community to show their interpretations of the 2014 IS with custom exterior treatments and modifications.

Then, the best IS Sport Sedan concept will be modified by VIP Auto Salon in 10 weeks and will be also displayed at SEMA. There has been more than 600 submissions, and a jury of four judges narrowed them down to 25. The selected top 25 were expressing the true essence of the 2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan and were original as well as had executable design.

Today, Lexus and DeviantART announced the first, second and third place winners. The first place was given to Rob Evans from Seattle, who will be certainly proud to see his rendering taking a real form at the SEMA show. The second place winner was Lucia Lee of Pasadena, while Guanghao Huang from Southfield, took the third place.

Source: Lexus

August 21, 2013

2014 Jaguar XJ Now With Enhanced Luxury Features

2014 Jaguar XJ is the latest luxurious sports saloon produced by the iconic brand and it includes improved rear cabin luxury features, delivers more comfort and is equipped with in-car technologies. The model will be available with a choice of diesel and supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6 engines and two supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

Each of them will be matched with eight-speed automatic gearbox thus delivering smooth-shifting, economy and driver control. The new long-wheelbase models will include improved rear cabin luxury options such as ‘airline’ style reclining seats with massage function, increased headroom and fold-out business tables.

In addition, the re-tuned rear suspension will deliver more rear seat ride comfort. Furthermore, the entertainment system now will include Rear Seat Entertainment options: two hi-resolution touchscreens and premium Meridian Reference Audio System with Conversation Assist.

Throughout the interior are utilized special materials such as Bond grain, soft grain and semi-aniline leather, and versaatile veneers including Piano Black, Carbon Fibre, Gloss Burr Walnut and Satin Rosewood.

The 2014 14 Jaguar XJ ‘R’ version on the other hand is equipped with bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments. The car is capable of generating 550 horsepower (404 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque thanks to its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. These numbers makes it possible for the XJR to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

To go further into details, the interior of the 2014 XJ includes a range of enhanced features which are mainly focused on the rear cabin of the car. The rear passenger compartment includes two separate ‘airline style’ reclining seats that both feature cushion and squab adjustment, three massage programs – Wave/Rolling, Lumbar and Shoulder.

In addition, in the new centre armrest are positioned all the seat controls as well as the Front Seat Activation button. On the other hand, the front seat improvements include massage functions for each seat with five levels of intensity.

What is more, the rear-seat passengers will enjoy many entertainment features included in the Rear Seat Entertainment package. The latter consists of two 10.2” high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests, which can display inputs from a number of sources.

LWB XJ will also deliver to the occupants leather-surfaced business tables in the rear. In order to keep rear seat passengers shielded from the sun, there is available electric rear-side window blinds. Moreover, the rear headroom is increased by 13 mm thus resulting in more comfort for the rear-seat passengers.

Going further to the engine range, the 2014 XJ will be available with powerful and efficient 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel engines, as well as two supercharged 5.0-litre units which will deliver 510 hp (375 kW), and in the XJR – 550 hp (405 kW).

A standard eight-speed automatic transmission will be matched to each of them. What is more, steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles will deliver the driver higher levels of control.

Another technology included in this Jaguar model range is the Intelligent Stop-Start system. The latter utilizes Twin Solenoid Starter (TSS) in order to shut down the engine when the car comes to a halt, and restart it when the driver’s foot to move from the brake to the accelerator.

Next, the LWB version of the XJ will include an updated rear suspension for optimized performance. XJ has a lightweight aluminium construction which effects in great advantages in terms of agility, acceleration, braking and driver feedback and involvement.

The exterior color palette has been also enhanced and now consists of 15 colours: Polaris White, Ebony, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Lunar Grey, Rhodium Silver, Cashmere, Osmium Blue, Dark Sapphire, Caviar, Carnelian Red, Black Amethyst, Italian Racing Red, British Racing Green and Satellite Grey.

As an option Jaguar will offer 1300W Meridian™ Reference Audio System and Conversation Assist. The latter uses a microphone above each seating position and digital audio processing technology in order to enhance the occupant’s voice via the vehicle’s audio system.

Technical Specifications

2014 JAGUAR XJ 3.0-LITRE V6
Engine	3.0-litre V6 SC petrol	XJ 3.0L V6 Diesel
Capacity (cc)	2995	2993
Peak Power (PS@rpm)	340@6500	275@4000
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)	450@3500-5000	680@2500-5500
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic	Eight-speed automatic
Intelligent Stop/Start	Yes	Yes
0-60mph (secs)	5.7	6.0
0-100km/h (secs)	5.9	6.4
Top Speed (mph \| km/h)	155 \| 250 (electronically limited)	155 \| 250 (electronically limited)
Combined Economy (EU mpg \| l/100km)	29.4 \| 9.6	44.8 \| 6.3
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	224	167

2014 JAGUAR XJ 5.0-LITRE V8
Engine	XJ 5.0L Supersport
Capacity (cc)	5000
Cylinders	8
Transmission	8-speed automatic
0-60mph (seconds)	4.7
0-100km/h (seconds)	4.9
Top Speed (mph/km/h)	155 \| 250 (electronically limited)
Peak Power (PS@rpm)	510@6000-6500
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)	625@2500-5500
Intelligent Stop/Start	Yes
Combined Economy (mpg)	24.4
Combined Economy (l/100km)	11.6
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	270

2014 JAGUAR XJR
Engine	5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
Capacity (cc)	5000
Bore/Stroke (mm)	92.5/93
Peak Power (PS@rpm)	550@6500
Peak Power (kW@rpm)	405@6500
Peak Torque (lb/ft @rpm)	502@2500-5500
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)	680@2500-5500
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Intelligent Stop/Start	Yes
0-60mph (secs)	4.4
0-100km/h (secs)	4.6
Top Speed (mph \| km/h)	174 \| 280 (electronically limited)
Combined Economy (EU mpg \| l/100km)	24.4 \| 11.6
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	270

Source: Jaguar

August 21, 2013

2014 Range Rover Evoque With New Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

2014 Range Rover Evoque is now even more attractive because it will be equipped with a host of new technologies, including a new 9-speed automatic transmission, new driveline technologies, seven new driver assistance features and more details in the design of the interior and exterior.

The ZF-9HP automatic transmission debuted this year at the Geneva Motor Show and it is among the world’s first 9-speed units fitted to a passenger car. It not only has an ultra-fast response time, but is also equipped with adaptive shift programme which quickly matches the driving style. Moreover, the new transmission delivers enhanced fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved performance and much greater comfort.

The driver assistance features included in the Evoque are feature Park Exit, Perpendicular Park, Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing. As an option, customers can choose Land Rover InControlTM connected car system.

The latter incorporates two new features – InControlTM Remote and InControlTM Secure. The first one allows owners to trigger an SOS Emergency Call which automatically informs the emergency services of the vehicle’s position. The second feature tracks the vehicle in the event of a theft utilizing advance tracking technology.

Another option is the Active Driveline, which is an ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive system that is capable of improving the agility as well as the fuel efficiency of the car. It does that by operating in front-wheel drive only during steady-state driving at speeds above 22 mph. This new feature also includes Active Torque Biasing with electronic-Diff (e-Diff) technology. It distributes torque between the rear wheels, thus maximizing the traction and stability.

What also enhances the agility and safety through the redirection of the torque between the four wheels is the Torque Vectoring by Braking feature. It will be also available as an option.

Furthermore, the design of the interior and exterior of this Land Rover model was also improved. There are detail changes, new colour options, four new alloy wheel styles, new style of Land Rover badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.

2014 Range Rover Evoque will be equipped with economical and light weight four-cylinder engines: 2.2 diesel 150 hp (110 kW), 2.2 diesel 190 hp (140 kW) and 2.0 Petrol 240 hp (176 kW). The combined fuel consumption is estimated up to 57.6 mpg, while the CO2 emissions begin from 129 g/km.

Source: Range Rover

August 21, 2013

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Technical Specifications