Automobiles Review – Page 678 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500 To Compete In 2014 Super GT GT500 Class

Nissan Motor Company is going to compete in the GT500 class of SUPER GT Race in Japan with its 2014 rules’ compliant machine the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500. Two other brands have also revealed their new vehicles, created especially for the race. Honda will be on the track with the Honda NSX Concept-GT, while Lexus will enter the championship with Lexus GT LF-CC Prototype.

From 2014 the vehicles which are in the GT500 class of SUPER GT will be developed based on the same new technical regulations, except for engine-related regulations, as the DTM – the German Touring Car Championship. This of course, ensures that the battle among SUPER GT machinery will be intensified.

The development of Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500 started at the end of July and was also unveiled this weekend at a demonstration run at Round 5 of the SUPER GT series at Suzuka Circuit. Additional details around the car will be announced at a later date.

Source: Nissan

August 19, 2013

Spyker Unveils B6 Venator Spyder Concept

Spyker has revealed at Pebble Beach its new exotic sports car – Spyker B6 Venator Spyder Concept. Five months ago the brand has unveiled the B6 Venator Coupe Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The hand built automobile aims to deliver unique alternative in the High Luxury Sports sector, as well as a rare combination of heritage, design, performance and exclusivity. B6 Venator Spyder Concept exudes vintage cues of the brand’s aviation past and also features highly detailed design and bespoke material.

The company’s motto, which is in Latin – “Nulla tenaci invia est via” and means: “For the tenacious no road is impassable”, can be seen on the exterior on the fairings. In fact, the name “Venator” in Latin stands for “Hunter”. This name also comes to pay tribute to Spyker’s “Hunter” fighter aircraft of the early 20th century.

To go further into details, cars exterior highlights include the following: the trademark radiator grille’s mesh which is V-shaped and refers to brand’s models of the previous century, headlights, equipped with LED light rails, 3D LED rear lights which resemble burners of a jet engine from a modern fighter aircraft.

In addition, the brake light has been sculpted into the rear panel design. The concept runs on the elegant 19” TurbofanTM wheels which are in mirror polish finish.

Going to the interior, it includes surroundings crafted from the finest materials such as leather sourced from the Litano range and produced by the Royal Hulshof Dutch Tanneries in Lichtenvoorde, red cover on the ignition switch, dashboard which lights up when the car starts.

Spyker has put its attention on the lightweight design; hence the body of this model is all carbon fibre. The chassis on the other hand is all aluminium platform. Under the hood of this convertible lies the powerful V6 engine. It is capable of generating more than 375 hp (275 kW). Engine’s mount position is rear-mid and the drivetrain type is RWD. The unit is matched with six-speed automatic transmission.

Furthermore, the overall length of the car is 4347 mm, the width is 1882 mm, while the wheelbase is 2500 mm. Car’s kerb weight is estimated under 1400 kg. The production of Spyker B6 Venator Spyder Concept will begin in late 2014 and its starting pice will be approximately US $150,000.

Source: Spyker

August 19, 2013

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport Makes Debut

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport series are making a debut. The highly specified vehicle comes to enhance Kuga’s current line-up. It includes a convenience pack which comprises of power fold door mirrors and Active Park Assist.

In addition, there is also featured hands-free power tailgate, which has gained big popularity among customers. Thanks to it, they benefit from the kick activated tailgate opening. The luxurious and refined range topping Titanium X Sport is also fuel-efficient, high-tech and has excellent capabilities.

What is more, those who will enjoy driving the Titanium X Sport will also get great sports styling, that includes body coloured front rear and side skirts, body coloured wheel arches, large rear spoiler, high gloss rear diffuser, front silver skid plate, high gloss black bumper detailing.

Furthermore, to be even more attractive, Ford has given this model unique 19-in alloy wheels, chrome roof rails and dark rear windows with privacy glass. Inside, one can find popular technology options such as Sony DAB Navigation system, Rear View Camera, Active Park Assist and power folding door mirrors.

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport series has a starting price of US$44,298 (£28,345) and will be available to order from 19th of August.

Source: Ford

August 19, 2013

Subaru BRZ tS Limited Edition

Subaru has announced the BRZ tS, which hits the market today through the dealerships in Japan.

The inherent handling performance of the Subaru BRZ has been further enhanced by using expertise developed in motorsports while achieving the “strength and nimbleness” driving committed by STI. The “SUBARU BRZ tS” offers a driver “oneness with vehicle” and “agile handling pleasure”.

The upgrades include 18” silver STI-designed wheels, Brembo brake kit, front add-on spoiler, STI rear suspension link with pillow ball bush, along with reworked coil springs and shock absorbers.

The interior boasts aluminum side sills, Alcantara applications and new front seats.

The engine is the well-known 2.0 liter boxer with 200HP (147 kW) and 205Nm of torque.

2013 Subaru BRZ tS is limited to just 500 units and all of them must be preordered before March 9, 2014.

SUBARU BRZ tS GT PACKAGE

-Mechanism-
225/40ZR18 (92Y) tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport)
STI designed 18” x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (silver)
brembo front 17” opposed 4-pot ventilated disc brake with “STI” logo
brembo rear 17” opposed 2-pot ventilated disc brake with “STI” logo
STI designed rear suspension link with pillow ball bush (trailing link front, lateral link front inside & rear inside)
STI tuned strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
STI designed flexible tower bar, front
STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front
STI designed large-diameter driveshaft
Exclusively-tuned VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Exclusively-tuned filter for Sound Creator®*2

-Exterior-
STI designed front under spoiler
STI designed front fender garnish with “STI” logo
Exclusively-made “STI” ornament (front & rear), “tS” ornament (rear)

-Interior-
Exclusively-made front seat with “STI” logo and red stitch
[Alcantara®*3 (gray punching) / leather (gray), “STI” logo, gray stitch, front seat heater, SRS side airbag]
Exclusively-made leather lapped steering wheel (with “STI” ornament and red stitch)
STI designed leather shift knob (manual transmission) / select lever (automatic transmission) with “STI” logo
Exclusively-made speedometer with “STI” logo
Exclusively-made speedometer visor [Alcantara® (black), black stitch]
Carbon tone instrument panel
STI designed push engine switch with “STI” logo (red)
Exclusively-made aluminum side sill plate with “tS” logo
STI designed leather access key cover (red)

-Equipments for GT PACKAGE-
STI designed 18: x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (black)
STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable)
Recaro designed front bucket seat
[Alcantara® (gray punching) / leather (gray), “STI” logo, gray stitch, SRS side airbag]

*2: Sound Creator® is the registered trademark of MAHLE Filter Systems Japan Corporation.
*3: Alcantara® is the registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A

Source: Subaru

August 19, 2013

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition at Pebble Beach

During the Monterey Car Week, one of the most prestigious automobile shows in the world, Bugatti will debut the first of its sixpart exclusive Bugatti Legends edition, “Les Légendes de Bugatti”. As part of the weekend, the French luxury brand is celebrating the world premiere of its first Legend model, which has been bestowed the name “Jean-Pierre Wimille”. As with all five subsequent editions, this Legend will be limited to three vehicles.

The exterior boasts two-tone paint inspired by Bugatti Type 57G Tank which Wimille used to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937. The model also has Le Mans-inspired graphics and lasered logos of Jean-Pierre Wimille’s signature. Other highlights include two-tone interior featuring Bleu Wimille and Lake Blue leather upholstery with light blue contrast stitching. There are also embroidered headrests, blue carbon fiber trim elements and special “Les Legendes de Bugatti” badging.

Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engin – 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds dead. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph). ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds. Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

Source: Bugatti

August 16, 2013

2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid – 6.6 liters / 100 km

Ford has announced the all-new 2014 C-Max Hybrid which will improve customers’ on-road fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.

“Ford is absolutely committed to being a leader in the hybrid market and to top fuel efficiency across our lineup. We are taking actions with our popular C-MAX Hybrid so that customers are even more satisfied with the vehicle’s on-road fuel efficiency performance.” commented Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development.

In addition to improving the vehicle itself, Ford is changing the way it generates the miles-per-gallon label for C-MAX Hybrid going forward. Previously – and consistent with EPA’s General Label rules – testing of the Fusion Hybrid was used to generate fuel economy labels for a family of vehicles, including both Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid. The result was the same fuel economy label values for both vehicles.

The revised 2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid label will carry a class-leading EPA combined fuel economy value of 43 mpg – topping the combined label value of 42 mpg for the Toyota Prius v.

Customers who purchased their vehicle will receive a check from Ford for $550. Customers who leased their vehicle will receive a check for $325.

Source: Ford

August 16, 2013

2013 Kia Picanto LPG – 5.6 l / 100 km

Kia is going to introduce an LPG version of the small Picanto hatchback at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ultra-efficient small car will be able to run on either LPG or petrol.

2013 Kia Picanto LPG is powered by a 1.0 liter three-cylinder Kappa petrol engine with 67HP (49 kW) and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. The average fuel consumption is just 5.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km (on LPG). The models equipped with automatic start-stop (ISG) achieve 5.6 liters / 100 km.

The new Picanto LPG is fitted with two fuel tanks – the regular 35-litre gasoline tank in the regular position ahead of the rear axle and a 27-litre pressurised LPG tank located beneath the trunk floor in the space previously occupied by the spare wheel. Drivers can switch from gasoline to LPG (and vice-versa) simply by pressing a button on the dashboard.

Initially, the bi-fuel model will be available in Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands – where it expected to account for up to 7% of Picanto sales. When it goes on sale later this year, the left-hand drive Picanto LPG will be the first, and only, LPG-powered car in the marketplace with a 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty.

Source: Kia

August 16, 2013

2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Unveiled At Pebble Beach [VIDEO]

2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept has just been revealed at Pebble Beach and it definitely stuns with its incredible design characteristics. Elmiraj Concept defines in a new way luxury driving and it is a contemporary update to the classic format of a two-door grand coupe. This Cadillac concept is a pure expression of streamlined design and engaging rear-wheel drive performance.

The concept has an overall length of 205 inches (5207mm) and it is a statement of pure luxury and performance with great proportions. The model benefits from brand’s philosophy of dramatic design and performance as well as to its commitment to lightweight RWD performance.

Elmiraj Concept is powered by a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 which is capable of generating 500 horsepower (368 kW). The engine is based on the technology utilized in the Cadillac Twin Turbo V6.

The dramatic exterior proportions of the car make the perfect link between power and performance. A long dash-to-axle front profile gives the coupe an athletic presence. The long wheelbase and clean body side on the other hand characterizes the car’s spacious dimensions and elevated status.

The design of the model also aims to highlight its capabilities for engaging driving performance. The two vents in the car’s long hood serve as a hot air outlets for the twin turbo engine. In addition, Elmiraj runs on 22-x-9-inch aluminum wheels which are equipped with large ceramic brakes with Cadillac monoblock calipers. The car’s exterior is decided in rich blue finish and in addition it wears the brand’s Vsport designation.

The luxury treatment is continued in the interior, which is spacious and comfortable. It also includes driver-focused performance elements. The upper section of the instrument panel is a single piece. It extending across the full width of the vehicle, while the lower forms a cockpit space tailored for performance.

Backlit titanium trim curves are used to divide the upper camel leather from the wood trim. Moreover, car’s instrumentation includes an analog tachometer and speedometer which are transparent. A wide screen with high resolution display is positioned behind the analog gauges. In addition, a 10-inch touchscreen is also present to aid with navigation and connectivity.

2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept has a 2+2 layout with high-performance seats. They deliver not only support to the driver, but also offer great levels of luxury experience. The rear bucket seats include a valet feature which eases entry and exit.

2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Specifications

Model	Elmiraj Concept
Body Style	4-passenger, 2-door grand coupe
Dimensions
Height	55 in / 1397 mm
Width	76 in / 1930 mm
Length	205 in / 5207 mm
Curb Weight	Approx. 4000 lb / 1814 kg
Powertrain
Engine	4.5-liter Twin Turbo V8
Power	500 hp / 373 kW
Torque	500 lb-ft / 678 Nm

httpv://youtu.be/pEkr5UJlrk8

httpv://youtu.be/khMY6sPBRe8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Cadillac

August 16, 2013

Honda NSX Concept-GT To Enter The 2014 SUPER GT Series

Another brand has announced a new vehicle prepared to compete at the 2014 SUPER GT and this time is Honda. It has just unveiled that the Honda NSX Concept-GT will be its racing machine.

In addition, the Japanese brand has also revealed a dozen of images of the racer. The NSX Concept-GT is a dedicated racing vehicle which of course is based on the NSX Concept. The latter is a super sports model which made its official appearance in 2012 at North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The racing vehicle is built in accordance with the 2014 regulations on GT500 vehicles prescribed by the Japan Automobile Federation. It is equipped with a mid-mounted 2.0 l inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine which is combined with a racing hybrid system.

Acura NSX Concept was shown at the Mid-Ohio Indy 200 on 4th of August. The model is going to make a special appearance at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 18th of August.

Source: Honda

August 16, 2013

BMW Concept M4 Revealed [VIDEO]

BMW Concept M4 Coupe has been finally revealed at the iconic Pebble Beach. The car offers the first outlook on a high-performance sports car of tomorrow.

The model combines motor racing characteristics and great stability and dependability. The design of the new concept features an exclusive exterior paint finish “Aurum Dust” which was especially developed for this model.

In fact, it continues BMW M’s design language which exudes the strong and sporty character of the car mixed with emotional dynamics. Not to mention the perfect agility of this model and its superior performance.

The athletic appearance of the model is emphasized via the large air inlets in the dynamic front, a swift design language in the side and the low rear. In addition, carbon fiber reinforced plastic elements were used for the front splitter, the roof, or the rear diffuser. This of course results in optimized weight.

The front end of the car immediately charms with its precise contours and distinctive visual depth shape. BMW Concept M4 Coupe retains the classic appearance for the brand with its double kidney and a modern interpretation of the twin round headlamps featuring LED technology.

Furthermore, the dynamism of the car is additionally emphasized by the black kidney grille bars imitate the characteristic M double spoke design of the BMW M wheels, the M4 emblem on the kidney grille adding an exclusive accent to the front end.

The front apron and the carbon fibre front splitter immediately catch the attention. On the other hand three large air intakes supply the high performance power unit with sufficient cooling air. In addition, the vertical air vents located in the outer section of the side air intakes now stands under the name Air Curtain. Together with the Air Breather, they deliver aerodynamic closure of the wheel arches, enhanced air flow and fuel efficiency.

httpv://youtu.be/d0q1qUXpOrI

The side view of the vehicle retains the expressive dynamism. BMW Concept M4 Coupe has a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse and a short front overhang. Moreover, the flowing roofline emphasizes additionally this BMW’s sporty character.

It flows into the muscular rear end, which in turn adopts the contour of the roof. A rear spoiler lip is integrated into the trunk lid for maximum downforce. Another interesting detail on vehicle’s side panels is the redesigned M gill.

The M gills include the Air Breather. Exclusive bicoloured 20” M light alloys with the typical M double spoke design complete the design credentials of the car. The five filigree double-spokes rims with polished outer surfaces reveal M Carbon ceramic brakes.

At last, the rear end of the car is muscular and gives visual indication of power. The entire tail contributes for the broad appearance of the car. In addition, the flat taillights which are to be found in the wide track and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight BMW’s stable appearance.

The front apron in the tail section comprises of faceted surfaces. On the other hand, the twin tailpipes made of carbon fiber are a characteristic M feature on the rear end. A carbon fibre rear diffuser is what eventually rounds out the aerodynamics package.

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BMW

August 16, 2013

Lexus New Vehicle To Compete in Japanese Super GT500 Series

Lexus Racing has just announced that they are going to compete in the next season’s Japanese super GT500 Series with a brand new model. The race car I called Lexus GT LF-CC Prototype and it is going to be based on the Lexus LF-CC.

The new vehicle is going to replace the current race car, the Lexus SC 430, which is being used in the Super GT races.

Lexus LF-CC is a two-door coupe concept which made its first official appearance at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. It includes athletic and aggressive exterior with an emphasis on aerodynamics and cooling performance.

LF-CC is equipped the highly efficient 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain with D4-S injection technology. It delivers a combination of the engaging performance appropriate to a sporting D-segment coupe and low CO2 emissions, targeted below 100 g/km.

Source: Lexus

August 16, 2013

Prior Design BMW M6 F13

Prior Design has revealed their latest project based on the powerful BMW M6 F13. The sports coupe received a full PD6XX widebody kit as well as some other styling upgrades.

The exterior boasts revised front bumper, a carbon fiber front lip spoiler and carbon fiber fins. There is also a new ventilated hood, a pair of widened side skirts, a new roof scoop and extended wheel arches. The rear bumper is also new and comes with an integrated diffuser. There is also a huge rear wing providing additional downforce.

The interior boasts new leather upholstery and Prior Design logos all around.

Source: Prior Design

August 15, 2013

Blog