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Announced Pricing For The Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition

Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition was revealed to the world in May this year. Now the famous German brand is announcing the pricing of this special edition version of the iconic Beetle.

One of the reasons that make this Volkswagen unique is that only 3500 of it will be built globally. Secondly, the car is inspired by the GSR “Yellow Black Racer” which was famous in the 70s. This means that the new model will also include a yellow-and-black exterior.

To be more precise, the body and R-Line® bumpers are finished in yellow, while the hood is mainly black. The trunklid, roof, and the exterior mirror caps are also black.

In addition, the vehicle has yellow/black stripes with “GSR” lettering above the side skirts and a large rear spoiler. What completes the look of this GSR are the 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels matched with 235/40 tires. They also feature black-painted brake calipers.

The interior of the Beetle is unique as the exterior and it is finished again in the same color scheme, visible in the sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. In fact, the black-trimmed leather seating surfaces and high-grip leather-wrapped steering wheel have contrasting yellow stitching.

Moreover, one can see inside the car a R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, a leather-wrapped handbrake lever, and black floormats with contrasting yellow embroidery. A badge on the steering wheel is marked with the special-edition number which highlights the uniqueness of the car.

What is more, under the hood of this car is the EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI® engine. It is capable of generating 210 horsepower (155 kW) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the limited edition car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds and to reach a top track speed of 130 mph.

The unit is mated as a standard to a six-speed manual transmission. However, as an option Volkswagen offers a choice of a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic transmission.

The GSR is based on the R-Line with Sunroof and Sound with Navigation model, therefore it will offer to its customers wide range of technology features including the following: Fender® Premium Audio System, panoramic sunroof, RNS 315® navigation system, keyless access with push-button start, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, LED license-plate lighting, heatable front seats, Bluetooth® connectivity, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable, three-color ambient lighting, aluminum-alloy-look pedals, clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge.

Beetle GSR Limited Edition will have a starting price of US $29 995 for the models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the price tag for the version with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is US $31 095.

Source: Volkswagen

July 18, 2013

Aston Martin To Debut Three Models At Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Aston Martin is going to make a premiere of its three new models at this years Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is going to take place between 14th and 18th of August in California. The models that are going to have their premiere are the new Vanquish Volante , the V12 Vantage S and the CC100 Speedster Concept.

This year the iconic British brand is making centennial celebrations around the world. The Vanquish Volante will make its global debut at Pebble Beach, while the V12 Vantage S and CC100 Speedster Concept are making their first appearances in the United States.

First, the Vanquish Volante draws its power by the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. The latter is matched with a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The car is able of producing 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and has a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

Next, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is powered by an AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. It generates 573 hp (421 kW) and 620 Nm (459 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750 rpm. It covers the aacceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The engine is mated to a Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) which powers the rear wheels.

At last, in the CC100 Speedster Concept new materials were used for the build of its body and interior. For instance, carbon fibre can be seen prominently in the design of the new concept.

In addition, the CC100 utilizes the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine which is connected to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. The new concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in little more than 4 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph.

Source: Aston Martin

July 18, 2013

Fiat Catches A Wave On Vans US Open Of Surfing [VIDEO]

Fiat is going to display its entire product portfolio including the all-electric Fiat 500e at the Huntington Beach, California. The Italian brand will team up with Vans US Open of Surfing there.

The event will take place between 20th and 28th of July, where Fiat will celebrate the recent launch of the all-new, all-electric Fiat 500e in California. In addition it will also display the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio and the new Fiat 500L and 500L Trekking models.

A special edition model will be also displayed. Its name is Fiat 500c “Beach Cruiser”. And for those who are to visit the event, there will be Fiat brand giveaways such as Wayfarer sunglasses, sunscreen, t-shirts and other FIAT-branded items.

With the participation at this event, fiat is again encouraging people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with great excitement. This philosophy is visible throughout brand’s car range, including the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento.

The latter is one of the smallest cars that have been ever offered on the market. It is Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form and function.

As a matter of fact, the new Fiat 500 and 500c models are reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, and have been launched in 2007. In total, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

Now the Fiat brand portfolio in North America expands even further with the launch of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully-electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L. The 500L is a five-passenger model which ads style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

httpv://youtu.be/7WDupghLSfk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Fiat

July 18, 2013

Kia Reveals Unique Justice League Car At Comic-Con

Comic-Con has just started, taking place in San Diego. There was revealed the artistic Justice League-inspired Kia Sorento, which is the eighth and final custom vehicle built as a result of the partnership of Kia and DC Entertainment.

The car has a stunning design which was penned by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The car is part of the campaign “We Can Be Heroes” which aims to raise awareness fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Up to date there has been raised over $2.3 million and helped over 5 million men, women and children there.

As part of this campaign Kia and DCE created a collection of all eight Justice League-inspired Kia, which will be shown at the Comic-Con at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Furthermore, the newly revealed Justice League car will be part of a special online charity auction on eBay which benefits the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign.

As a matter of fact, the seven-seat Sorento marks the final chapter in a 10-month, eight-vehicle partnership between DC Entertainment and Kia based on the iconic characters of Justice League: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

Each one of them has been featured with a special car, designed by Lee. This final car catches the entire Justice League. Jim Lee’s artwork has been hand-painted via custom air-brushing by the world-famous West Coast Customs.

Like all of the Justice League-inspired vehicles this customized Kia Sorento mixes the automotive and pop-culture worlds. In addition, it also allows Kia to extend its philanthropic efforts.

Source: Kia

July 18, 2013

The winning formula of the BMW 5 Series

The winning formula of the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is one of the German brand’s strongest and longest running sales successes, with numerous models sold over several decades to both the private and the fleet markets. At the top of the 5 Series tree sits the mighty M5, but there is plenty to enjoy in the 5 Series range all the way up to their fast and furious M5 halo car, with particular focus these days on powerful yet efficient turbo diesel powered models designed to attract company car users. And attract they do, like these 5 Series cars from Listers.

In the more recent years of BMW sales, the firm has rightly concentrated to a large part on designing, developing and building 5 Series models that they can proactively sell to the fleet market. The fleet market for cars is critical to any mass market manufacturer as when economic times are tough and private consumers are keeping their cash tucked away in the banks, it’s fleet sales that can help keep a company nice and buoyant. Sure, even fleet sales will suffer when the economy is struggling, but much less so than private sales. So, the big manufacturers need a good range of fleet satisfying models and BMW’s 5 Series is one model that has seriously satisfied fleet drivers and fleet managers over the years.

The fleet manager’s budget and the CO2 emissions of their potential fleet cars – the higher the emissions the higher that tax demand will be – will determine which cars the staff end up driving, but thanks to BMW’s engineering prowess, budgets can now stretch further. Even a relatively big car like the 5 Series can be enjoyed by more fleet drivers because the manufacturer has worked very hard in recent years on driving down the emissions of their cars; big and small.

The 5 Series model, the 520d, is a good example – it’s a big car, with a small appetite for fuel. Up until just a few years ago, a big car like the 5 Series would’ve needed a fairly large and fairly thirsty engine to haul it along, and that would make it a high tax polluter. But, with BMW’s recent work on smaller, high output engines, like their now famous 2-litre turbo diesel motors, big cars can now be successfully and enjoyably powered by these smaller, lower emitting engines. And that’s great for fleet drivers who can now enjoy a large and comfortable car like the 5 Series, without having to part with a similarly large, but far less comfortable, company car tax payment every month.

This is one of the main reasons for the strength and success of BMW 5 Series sales; frugal yet powerful diesel engines with lower emissions taxation, but still fast enough for fun when the working day is done. Couple these modern, tax-friendly engines to a sublime rear-wheel drive chassis, fast and direct steering and comfortable yet sporty feeling steering, and you’re starting to get a pretty impressive recipe for sales success. All the 5 Series needs now is a brand badge to be proud of, a large and comfortable and well specified interior space, and some of the most understatedly stunning styling of any executive cruiser on the market today. With all of this, it’s soon pretty obvious as to why the BMW 5 Series continues to sell and sell, year after year.

July 18, 2013

VOLAR-e Applus+Idiada To Include Interior By Vilner [VIDEO]

There has been just released some hot news at the official Facebook page of the Bulgarian luxury tuning brand Vilner. The specialists are disclosing with their fans that they are going to be those to create the interior of the fastest electric vehicle ever produced – the VOLAR-e Applus+Idiada.

There hasn’t been unveiled much information about the ongoing project except for two pictures of the future interior, which you can see in the gallery below in full resolution. From what we can see, inside the car is decided in black and includes some contrast orange stitching and elements. There is also some carbon fiber treatment visible.

VOLAR-e features a four-wheel drive system with regenerative braking. In addition the car borrows Rimac’s battery system which has a capacity of 38 kWh. The power is generated from the four in-wheel electric motors.

Their combined work results in a total output of 800 horsepower (596 kW) and 1500 Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h therefore is stunning. The VOLAR-e needs just 3.5 seconds to cover it.

We are impatiently looking forward to see this project entirely finished and showing-off its full glory.

httpv://youtu.be/uMd0iy8JkKI

Video Source: YouTube

News And Pictures Source: Facebook

July 17, 2013

TEASER: Wald International Audi A7 Sportback

Wald International is developing a tuning program for the Audi A7 Sportback. There have been released only two images showing how the car will look like.

It hasn’t been revealed much information about the project, however judging from the photos we see that this Audi will be dressed in all black. Probably, there will be included also a front and rear bumper accompanied by side skirts.

Obviously the A7 will receive new wheels and an exhaust system, which will feature quad-pipes. This means that the airflow has been improved thus we can expect that the car will generate more power.

The standard Audi A7 most powerful engine is the 4.0 liter V8 one which can develop 414 hp (305 kW) on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. The unit is mated with a seven-speed tiptronic transmission.

Source: Wald International

July 17, 2013

Ford Focus ST And Fiesta ST To Feature Mountune Upgrades [VIDEO]

Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST are going to get even hotter because they will feature Mountune upgrades. The packages are developed by race engine and road-car performance specialist Mountune.

The result is an enhanced power output. For instance, Focus ST’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine now can generate up to 275 hp (202 kW), which is 10 hp more a Porsche Boxster. RS500 would be left with a rear view of the Mountune-upgraded Focus ST. The latter can sprint form 0 to 100 km/h in only six seconds.

A Mountune upgrade is also offered for the Fiesta ST, thanks to which the increase of power will result in total 215 hp (158 kW). This will enable the Ford model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7seconds (in comparison to the factory 6.9 seconds).

The upgrades boost the vehicles in terms of in-gear acceleration too. Peak Focus ST torque is heightened to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), while the peak Fiesta ST torque is enhanced up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

The Focus ST Mountune upgrade features a cast alloy inlet duct in silver or black powder coat finish, high-flow air filter element, larger alloy intercooler in silver or black powder coat finish and unique calibration.

On the other hand, the Fiesta ST version has a re-modelled air box base with secondary inlet duct, a high-flow filter element and unique calibration. Ford’s ST models will deliver blistering performance thanks to these Mountune upgrades. The effect will be great driving fun and passionate performance.

httpv://youtu.be/-196_RyZO_Y

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

July 17, 2013

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross – Price

Suzuki UK has announced the pricing of the new 2014 SX4 S-Cross, which will hit the market on 1^st October with pricing starting from just £14,999 for the SZ3 1.6-Litre petrol and going up to £23,549 for the range-topping 1.6 DDiS SZ5 Allgrip Manual.

Suzuki created the new SX4 S-Cross by combining its compact car know how with technologies honed for sport utility vehicles. As a result of focusing on giving the new S-Cross distinctive crossover styling, class leading space for passengers and luggage, next-generation 4WD performance and one of the lowest CO₂ emissions in the segment, it achieves a remarkable combination of styling, utility, safety, performance and fuel economy. It is a model which can offer great driving enjoyment and versatile family usage to many more people in a wide range of situations.

The engine range includes a 1.6 litre petrol achieving 51.3 mpg with 2WD and manual gearbox and a 1.6 liter DDiS diesel returning up to 67.2 mpg with the same configuration. Both come with Engine Auto Stop/Start system.

ALLGRIP is Suzuki’s new generation 4WD, created by evolving the company’s renowned 4WD technologies to provide driving enjoyment and peace of mind in diverse conditions while promoting economy and limiting the strain which 4WD cars place on the environment. The four-mode 4WD system in the new SX4 embodies ALLGRIP technology.

Pricing for the SX4 S-Cross is as follows:

S-CROSS	CO₂ OUTPUT	PRICE
1.6 SZ3 Manual	127 g/km	£14,999.00
1.6 SZ4 Manual	127 g/km	£16,249.00
1.6 SZ-T Manual	127 g/km	£17,749.00
1.6 SZ5 Manual	127 g/km	£19,749.00
1.6 SZ5 CVT	125 g/km	£21,099.00
1.6 SZ5 ALLGRIP Manual	135 g/km	£21,549.00
1.6 SZ5 ALLGRIP CVT	130 g/km	£22,449.00
1.6 DDiS SZ3 Manual	110 g/km	£16,999.00
1.6 DDiS SZ4 Manual	110 g/km	£18,249.00
1.6 DDiS SZ-T Manual	110 g/km	£19,749.00
1.6 DDiS SZ5 Manual	110 g/km	£21,749.00
1.6 DDiS SZ-T ALLGRIP Manual	114 g/km	£21,549.00
1.6 DDiS SZ5 ALLGRIP Manual	114 g/km	£23,549.00

Source: Suzuki

July 17, 2013

DMC Transforms Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

DMC are known for their tunings on Lamborghini. We have seen recently however, that they had a great success on their modification on the F12 Ferrari. Now, their latest work is on the 458 Italia Spider which includes a DMC 458 Performance Package and Forged Rims.

The standard power that this Ferrari model produces is estimated at 570 hp (420 kW). This wasn;t enough for the tuners from the German brand, hence they have developed a performance package that makes the car generate 608 hp (447) and 568 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. The newly gained power is mainly due to the remapped engine management system for maximized ignition and injection, and the Stainless Steel Exhaust.

Adding to this is the new set of forged Rims and Sport Springs. They were created in order to enhance the OEM wheels. Having this in mind DMC decided to give the supercar a combination of 21″ wheels at the front and 22″ ones at the rear. This results not only in the better on-road presence of the car, but also enhances the overall handling.

Furthermore, the sport springs finalize the new appearance of the Ferrari in terms of supporting the new weight-ratio and handling. The rims were matched with Pirelli Sport Tyres in size of 255/30 for the front, and 335/25 for the rear.

The Body Kit on the other hand includes new aggressive look, which is put together by a complete aerodynamic package. For instance, at the front one can see a new lip splitter extends the car and at the same time enhances the overall road stability.

The front hood is completely replaced with a vented version. The extended side skirts deliver better road stability via a pair of diffuser plates, and also stand out with flaps that perfectly go with the ones that are also found on the front splitter.

Next, the trunk has received a new blade wing, which serves in terms of suiting the aerodynamic flow on top as well as under it. Carbon Fiber mirrors, front wings, rear diffusers and fog light covers are the additional highlights which have to be mentioned.

At last, the interior has received treatment as well. Throughout the cabin were utilized the finest leathers and carbon fiber. Plenty of buttons and trims are available as well as a redesigned steering wheel.

Source: DMC

July 17, 2013

2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG – Full Specs

After the teaser video yesterday, Mercedes-Benz AMG has unveiled the new S 63 AMG performance luxurious saloon. This is the most powerful car in the luxury segment, which sets new standards in terms of driving dynamics, lightweight construction and efficiency.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG is powered by the new 5.5 liter V8 bi-turbo with 585HP (430) at 5,500 RPM and 900Nm (667) at 2,2500 RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 4Matic Long Wheelbase accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, which means that the almost two-ton luxurious saloon is as fast as Porsche 997 GT3 RS. What is more, the new S 63 AMG returns 27.9 mpg on combined cycle.

“Following the successful launch of the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG, the new S 63 AMG highlights our expertise in the automotive high-end segment. Lightweight construction and absolute performance are among the key strengths of the new flagship model from Mercedes-AMG.”, commented Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“We have unquestionably achieved our aim of making the new S 63 AMG more powerful, lightweight and efficient than its predecessor. In terms of driving dynamics as well, the S 63 AMG has made giant leaps forward.”, finished Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Standard equipment for all S 63 AMG models includes:

AMG door sill panels
AMG floor mats
AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
Ambient lighting
Attention Assist
Collision Prevention Assist
COMAND Online
10 loudspeakers with Frontbass
Metallic paintwork
Pre-Safe^® Plus
Tyre pressure loss warning system
LED High Performance headlamps

Options list:

AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system
AMG carbon-fibre engine cover
AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather / Dinamica, black
AMG trim in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
Brake calipers, painted red

Additional optional extras include:

Air-Balance package
Burmester^® surround sound system
Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system
Business Telephony in the rear
Chauffeur package
designo appointments packages
Executive seat
Exclusive package
First-Class rear suite
Folding tables in the rear
LED Intelligent Light System
Seat Comfort package incl. Energising massage function
Warmth Comfort package

The models at a glance:

	S 63 AMG Short wheelbase	S 63 AMG Long wheelbase*	S 63 AMG 4MATIC Long wheelbase
Displacement	5,461 cc	5,461 cc	5,461 cc
Output	585 hp at 5,500 rpm	585 hp at 5,500 rpm	585 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max. torque	900 Nm at 2,250-3,750 rpm	900 Nm at 2,250-3,750 rpm	900 Nm at 2,250-3,750 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	27.9 mpg	27.9 mpg	27.4 mpg
CO₂ emissions	237 g/km	237 g/km	242 g/km
Kerb weight (according to EC)	1,970 kg 2,045 kg*	1,995 kg 2,070 kg*	1,995 kg 2,070 kg*
Acceleration 0-62 mph	4.4 s	4.4 s	4.0 s
Top speed	155 mph****	155 mph****	155 mph****

* Only available as right-hand drive; ** Ready-to-drive condition (Fuel tank filled 90%, without driver and luggage); *** Kerb weight (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage
(7 kg));**** Electronically limited

Source: Mercedes

July 17, 2013

Three of the latest Yamaha adventure bikes

Adventure biking is huge right now. From a scene that didn’t really exist a few years ago – by name, at least – to one of the fastest growing segments of the new motorcycle market, adventure biking is bringing the fun, and err, adventure back into motorcycling. Yamaha make some great adventure bikes, and here are three of them.

Yamaha XT660R
At the more affordable end of the Yamaha range of adventure motorcycles is the XT660R; a rough, tough trail bike that’ll chew up the dirt trails on Sunday, as well as the traffic-packed commute on Monday.

Yamaha have long been making their XT range of bikes, and to a very simple and effective recipe – tall, tough and torquey – perfect for flinging the mud and filing through the city streets.

The XT660R features long travel suspension that’ll make mincemeat of potholes and dirt trails, and a 660cc single cylinder, fuel injected engine that’s all about hard-hitting torque from right at the bottom of the rev range. This big-single-piston torque means instant throttle response; perfect for pulling through a deep mud bog, or for firing off the traffic lights leaving the rest of the world far behind.

If you’re looking for a hard-working, fun-loving motorcycle that’s a little bit scary to small children, the XT660R is one of the best around, especially if most of your time is spent threading through packed city traffic. However, if you do hanker after some filthy fun on the muddy trail, the 660R is well up for that too. Start your adventure journey at P&H Motorcycles.

Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré

The Yamaha XT range became fully involved with the recent launch of the XT660Z Ténéré; a stunning looking dirt bike with a difference. From the same stable as the XT660R, the Ténéré takes the tough and utilitarian 660R and adds top quality, high performance components for a truly go anywhere motorbike with attitude.

Whilst the Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré is a motorcycle built for function over form, only a rider with too much mud in their eyes would complain that this is not a ruggedly handsome motorcycle. And while adventure is all about discovering new places and enjoying new experiences, there’s nothing wrong with looking good while you do it, right?

Again we see a thumping 660cc single cylinder engine, this time wrapped up in more adventure-focused bodywork and accessories, including a well-padded duel seat, long-travel suspension, crash protectors and large, 23-litre fuel tank for big distances between fuel stops. Useful if you’re in the middle of nowhere!

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Time for the big daddy for Yamaha adventure bikes now; the magnificent XT1200Z Super Ténéré, and as the name suggests, this bike has got the real deal skills to cross continents, rocky rivers and roaming ravines.

The Super Ténéré begins with a mighty 1200cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine, that’s built for bottomless torque and terrific throttle response. Should you come across a house on your travels, simply crack the throttle, hoist the front end and ride over it!

Massive adjustable front forks and a long-travel high performance rear shock take care of the suspension business, while the latest in rider aiding electronics helps with keeping fatigue from huge daily distances to a minimum. So does a deep and comfy saddle. The rest of the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré is made of the tough stuff to keep it running in the most extreme of conditions, even if you are up to your knees in icy cold river water, somewhere in Africa.

July 17, 2013

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