Automobiles Review – Page 705 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Nissan ZEOD RC – World’s Fastest Electric Racing Car

Nissan has unveiled the groundbreaking and innovative ZEOD RC. This is the world’s fastest electric racing car, which will reach speeds of more than 300km/h with electric technology at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) will make its race debut at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hour. The global leader in electric vehicles for the road, Nissan will trial variants of new electric drive train technologies as part of its intended future return to LM P1 competition to challenge for overall victory at the world’s most prestigious endurance race.

Nissan’s invitation from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February. The car will compete under the ACO’s ‘Garage 56′ entry – an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Run as a Nissan / Nismo full factory international program with input from Japan, Europe and the US, the Nissan ZEOD RC design team is headed by Ben Bowlby who has been newly-appointed as Nissan’s Director of Motorsport Innovation and previously worked on the Nissan DeltaWing program in 2012.

While the car will not race until next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, Nissan today kicked off a unique aspect of the program – race fans getting the chance to unveil the car in the public area of the Circuit de la Sarthe. Nissan intends to draw back the curtain for fans across the globe to provide continued updates via its international partnership with YouTube and its Nismo.

Source: Nissan

June 21, 2013

2014 Renault Twingo [render]

Theophiluschin has published two render pictures of the upcoming 2014 Renault Twingo. The third generation of the smallest Renault is expected to hit the market in the beginning of the next year. The renderings are based on the Renault Twin Run Concept.

The new Twingo is a direct rival to Opel Adam, MINI and Fiat 500. The smallest Renault shares its platform with the next-generation Smart ForTwo and might eventually spawn a hotter model envisioned as a Renault 5 Turbo.

An EV version could also be in the progress, joining a variety of petrol and diesel-powered engines. Still, no words about engine range and specifications.

June 21, 2013

2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R Is Ready For Competition

2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R has been released and it is ready for competition. Powered by a new V-10 engine, the race car was designed and developed by Chrysler Group’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Motorsports team.

According to the brand this Viper GT3-R is the peak of nearly two decades of racing development resulting in a robust sports car. The vehicle is the logical progression of the successful Viper GTS-R that has conquered many prestigious races.

In addition, the GT3-R is a direct descendant of the SRT Viper street car. This is why the new Dodge model stays true to the emblematic appeal of the Viper, but it is also an evolution provoked by the demands of racing at a world class level.

The birth of the SRT Viper GT3-R is a result of the collaboration of the brand with Riley Technologies, which specializes in the design and production of winning race cars. Moreover, the technology developed by Chrysler for the factory engine, chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics of the GTS-R, is also incorporated into every Viper GT3-R.

For instance, the chassis has been equipped with a highly-efficient aerodynamic package which effects in improved handling. Other features included in this race car are the Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, six-piston front brake calipers with four-piston rears, lightweight wheels and a multi-disc race clutch for maximum performance from the V-10 engine.

The starting price of the new 2014 Dodge SRT Viper GT3-R begins at $459 000 USD with orders are now being taken for late 2013 delivery.

Source: Dodge

June 21, 2013

VUHL 05 Confirmed For 2013 Salon Prive

At this year’s Salon Prive the visitors will have the opportunity of seeing the debut of a future legend. We are speaking here about the highly anticipated new supercar from Mexico – VUHL 05, which will be on the lawns of Syon Park in September.

Although we don’t know much about the forthcoming vehicle, the information that has been released so far reveals that the VUHL 05 will be a road-legal lightweight supercar. It has been precision-engineered for the track and endowed with exhilarating performance.

Up to date, only three teaser images have been released. It was also announced that the vehicle will be officially unveiled in July at Goodwood Festval of Speed, shortly followed by Salon Privé in September.

The name of the car is pronounced “vool” and stands for ‘Vehicles of Ultra- lightweight and High-performance. It is the brainchild of brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, whose Mexican/American design agency, Etxe, penned the breath-taking 05. Some of the suppliers and development partners of the performance car industry which are featured in this project are Magna Steyr, Multimatic and Ford.

Source: VUHL

June 21, 2013

Mitsubishi Outlander Is Official Safety Vehicle For Pikes Peak

A completely redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is going to be the Official Safety Vehiclefor this year’s 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. PPIHC event will be held on 30th of June 30 at the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

The challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb features a road course that is 12.42 long and has 156 corners. It commences at an elevation of 9390 feet and fends at 14 110 feet.

The safety car will include technologically-advanced safety features such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM). In addition to this, this Mitsubishi will be equipped with company’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system. The latter will deliver superior stability, traction and control, which attributes are ideal for harsh weather and road conditions.

Furthermore, in the race will also be seen the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution high-performance sports sedan. It will join Outlander as a supplemental safety vehicle. As a matter of fact, both cars were built specifically for the race with support coming from AEM®, BBS USA, Cobb Tuning, DC Sports®, Kenwood USA Corporation, and Muellerized Suspension Tuning.

In addition, the brand will also make a racing return to the event with its new and more powerful 100% electric-powered prototype racing car – the MiEV Evolution II. It will be driven by two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka.

Source: Mitsubishi

June 21, 2013

Schmidt Revolution Enhances Ferrari F360 and 575M

Two Ferraris are being enhanced by the company SCHMIDT Revolution. They have equipped the models with new rims, which fit perfectly to the exquisite Italian models. They were designed especially for these vehicles according to the customer requirements.

The models which were improved are the Ferrari F360 and its „younger brother“ Ferrari 575M. The first vehicle is the iconic two-seater sports car, which was built by the Italian brand from 1999 to 2005. It is equipped with a mid-engine 3.6 litre V8 unit and has a rear wheel drive.

Its engine utilizes flat plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods and produces 400 bhp (300 kW). The car runs from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. The next vehicle is again a two-seater, two-door grand tourer, which was launched in 2002.

It is equipped with a V12 engine mated to a semi-automatic electrohydraulic manual ‘F1’ gearbox. The displacement of the unit is 5.7 liters and can generate up to 508 hp (379 kW) and 588.6 N•m (434.1 lb•ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The acceleration time for this model for the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h is only 4.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Both Ferrari F360 and 575M are equipped with a coil over and both vehicles were screwed to the optimum height. However, there can always happen an adjustment to the standard tires, therefore making possible an easy conversion back of both vehicles in absolute original condition.

Source: Miranda Media

June 21, 2013

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S – 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds

This is officially the fastest Aston Martin excluding the limited edition, and sold-out, One-77 hypercar.

The V12 Vantage S is powered by an AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine – 573HP (421 kW) and 620 Nm (459 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The engine is connected to a Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) powering the rear wheels.

“The new V12 Vantage S brings our winning GT3 race formula to the road. It’s a car for those customers who want superior sporting performance in a ‘gentleman’s suit’. It’s the most pure, yet understated, driving machine we can imagine today.” , commented Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

The suspension features 3-stage adaptive damping – Normal, Sport and Track.

The pricing for the new V12 Vantage S is also confirmed – £138,000 in the UK, €179,950 for Germany and $184,995 for the US.

Source: Aston Martin

June 20, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Performance Specs

Chevrolet has announced full performance specifications for the 2014 Corvette Stingray Z51 Package.

The sports car is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 engine with 455HP (339 kW) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in 3.8 seconds and ¼ mile is covered in just 12.0 seconds. The sports coupe can pull 1.03 g on the skid pad and decelerate 60-0 mph in 32.6 meters (107 feet).

Cumulatively, the acceleration, cornering and braking capability of the Corvette Stingray enabled it to lap the Virginia International Raceway’s (VIR) 4.2-mile “Grand Course” in 2:51.78.

The Z51 Performance Package costs $2,800 and includes aerodynamic styling upgrades, an electronic LSD (limited-slip differential), a dry-sump oiling system and an upgraded cooling system.

The test car was also equipped with Magnetic Ride Control which adds $1,795.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is priced from $51,995.

Source: Chevrolet

June 20, 2013

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid with Michelin Pilot Super Sport

All models of the new the Porsche Panamera will be equipped with Michelin tyres when it is launched in July 2013. The performance Michelin tyres grant superb traction at all conditions. There will be summer, winter and all-season tyres in 12 different sizes.

Summer Tyres:

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport was created through the unique combination of three components: the aramid fibre belt, the Bi-Compound tread band and the Variable Contact Patch 2.0.

The Variable Contact Patch 2.0 enables complete control of the vehicle by keeping the same amount of rubber on the road, even as the patch’s shape changes during tight cornering.

Front
255/45 ZR 19 (100Y) PILOT SUPER SPORT N0
255/40 ZR 20 (101Y) PILOT SUPER SPORT N0

Rear
285/40 ZR 19 (103Y) PILOT SUPER SPORT N0
295/35 ZR 20 (105Y) PILOT SUPER SPORT N0

Winter Tyres:

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 integrates a new winter tyre design called Ridge-n-Flex, which involves the optimal combination of two features.

Front
255/45 R 19 100V PILOT ALPIN PA4 N1
255/40 R 20 101V XL PILOT ALPIN PA4 N0

Rear
285/40 R 19 103V PILOT ALPIN PA4 N1
285/35 R 20 104V XL PILOT ALPIN PA4 N0

All-Season Tyres:

Developed for the North American market, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus stands out for its consistent high-level performance in all weather conditions.

Front
255/45 R 19 100V PILOT SPORT A/S+ N1
255/40 R 20 101V XL PILOT SPORT A/S+ N0

Rear
285/40 R 19 103V PILOT SPORT A/S+ N1
295/35 R 20 105V XL PILOT SPORT A/S+ N0

Check out Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid with Michelin Pilot Super Sport on the picture below!

Homologation: facts and figures

1 tyre manufacturer certified worldwide
12 sizes certified for all driving conditions (summer, winter and all season)
3 tyre ranges all featuring the Porsche N marking (N0 or N1)
Global tyre coverage for a global car
40% of production will be fitted with Michelin tyres
A 2½ year co-development project conducted jointly by Michelin teams and Porsche engineers
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the summer tyre certified for two different rim diameters
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 is the winter tyre certified for 19- and 20-inch rims
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus is the tyre certified, particularly for the North American market, in two rim diameters: 19- and 20-inches

Source: Porsche

June 20, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra V6

GM has announced the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra featuring the “most capable standard V6 in any full-size pickup truck.”. The new 4.3 liter V6 leads the segment in city fuel economy and helping customers save money through a host of fuel-saving technologies.

The new engine produces 285HP (212 kW) and 413Nm (305 lb-ft) and able to return 18 mpg US in city and 24 mpg on highway (RWD model) and 17 mpg US in city and 22 mpg on highway with 4WD.

The engine also gives the trucks the highest-available payload rating of 956 kg (2,108 lbs) and the highest-available towing rating of 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs).

2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are currently available on market with pricing starting from $24,585 and $25,085, respectively.

Source: GMC

June 20, 2013

D2Forged Enhances Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640

D2Forged Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 comes in the beginning of the summer to show force and athleticism. This “beast” has a newly updated power output, thanks to a displacement which has been increased to 6.5 liters.

This means that this Lamborghini is capable of producing 631 hp (464 kW) at 8000 rpm, which makes it one of the fastest vehicles in the automotive industry, as well as one of the most aggressive looking sportscars.

The model was first seen in the blockbuster “Batman: Dark Knight”, when it got the hearts of many people around the globe. One can barely imagine that this vehicle can receive any kind of additional treatment, because it is perfect by nature.

However, the specialists at D2Forged Wheels have given their best efforts to make this Murcielago look more adorable than ever. Hence, they have equipped it with new set of CV11 Wheels that have complemented this pearl white Lamborghini in the most breath-taking manner.

To be more precise, the tuners have used Shallow Concave D2Forged CV11 Wheels in size

19×8.5 at the front, and Deep Concave ones at the rear of the car in 20×13.5″ dimension. BBC Finish – Brilliant Brushed Cleared with Chrome Lips and Black Inner Barrel has been also applied to them.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

June 20, 2013

Aston Martin Unveils Winning Le Mans Gulf Livery

Aston Martin and Gulf have just unveiled the winner of their livery design competition. The design of the car was inspired by the change in atmosphere in this moment when the day gives way to night during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The winning design was created by Jonathan Wesley and will adorn the number 97 Vantage GTE throughout race week. The drivers of this particular car will be Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) and Peter Dumbreck (GB). They were also those one responsible for the choice of Wesley’s design among hundreds of other entries.

Wesley is going to attend the race weekend as a VIP guest of Gulf and will have the opportunity of seeing his winning design compete in the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although he found it quite difficult to design an already perfect Gulf Aston Martin, he accepted the challenge and just sketched a few thoughts out.

In the end, he put his attention on the idea of the car being in a different colour on both sides. He also used Gulf’s corporate colours – dark blue, light blue, orange and white, to make its livery come to reality. The idea for it, he calls “daylight to dusk”, because this was for him the most exciting part of the race.

To be more precise, the livery moves from the white with the broad orange stripe dividing things to the dark blue of the night. The orange and blue lines visible on the exterior of this Aston Martin represent the streaks that one often sees in photos of the cars at night.

Gulf and the iconic British brand have been partners for five years and have signed a further three-year deal. With the livery competition they have allowed fans to participate in the team’s most ambitious Le Mans campaign.

The number 97 car is one of the five Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTEs that are going to compete in the 24-hour race. Only one of them however, will be adorned with the competition-winning design. The car will first be seen on the Circuit de la Sarthe at the first free practice session on 19th of June.

Source: Aston Martin

June 20, 2013

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