Automobiles Review – Page 708 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo Facelift

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the 2014 MiTo Facelift. With its revamped technological image, the car will maintain its consolidated image as a sporty compact capable of winning over motorists who demand care for details, Italian style and technical excellence for total safety driving style.

The exterior features Giulietta-inspired chrome grille, new headlight surrounds and restyled 15” wheels on Impression variants. The 2014 MiTo is available in ten colors including a new Anthracite Grey.

The interior boasts a revised dashboard trim and three new upholstery combinations. The model can also be equipped with a new Uconnect infotainment system that has a five-inch display and Bluetooth/iPod/USB/AUX connectivity.

The engine range will include a new 0.9 liter Turbo TwinAir engine with 105HP (72 kW) and 145Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 184 km/h (114 mph). The fuel consumption is great – 4.2 L / 100 km – 67.2 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo is expected to hit the market soon with pricing starting from €14,800.

Source: Alfa Romeo

June 17, 2013

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart has just been born out of the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and luxury menswear brand Spencer Hart. The vehicle shows elegance, style and glamour, and in addition brings together the design philosophies from the worlds of fashion and automotive engineering.

CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart has been styled by Nick Hart – the Creative Director of the famous menswear brand. This special edition car appears in a specially created colour ‘Nick Hart Midnight Blue’, which stuns with its extremely stylish cues.

In addition, for the project has been chosen subtle, dark, understated finishes for interior. CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart includes special dark Chocolate Brown Italian leather seats with contrasting Midnight Blue stitching. Of course, Spencer Hart’s logo is embroidered into each headrest. The unique design is further enhanced by Nick Hart’s signature, creating a subtle feature on the centre console.

The world debut of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake took place at the “Night of the Stars” at the Formula 1 German Grand Prix in July 2012. This unique high-performance vehicle from AMG was the new embodiment of an innovative vehicle concept. In essence it represents an unprecedented embodiment of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate.

The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by Spencer Hart is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with 557HP (410 kW) at 5,500RPM and 720Nm (533 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. It needs only 4.2 seconds to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. This car showcases that with creativity and imagination one can create something unique and special.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 17, 2013

INDEN Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Borrasca

In Spanish Borasca means storm and thunderstorm, and this was the name given by INDEN Design to their latest projcet. They have transformed the iconic Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster model.

The designers confirm that it was tough to modify something that already has an inherent perfection. Fot this reason a good number of minor but highly effective „touches“ has been done on the sophisticated outer shell of this Mercedes-Benz.

First of all, in order to imrpve the aerodynamics of the vehicke, INDEN Design integrated a new bumper bar at the front in addition to the individual front spoiler lip. The latter was made entirely of high-grade carbon fiber tissue as well as the new engine hood.

When obsereved from the side, the SLS Borrasca stands out with its new mud guard with inserts of carbon fibers and black fins. Additionally, there were also added completely new side skirts with rear air shaft. At the rear the specialists have applied carbon fiber in the new rear apron which features a diffuser.

Furthermore, there is also visible a new stainless steel sports exhaust system with flap control. However, it is modified to have the original AMG end-pipes. In terms of power, the SLS AMG Roadster now generates 635 hp (467 kW).

The power is realized on the road via a set of classical light alloy rims with ten arched double spokes. In combination with a lowering of circa 15 mm, the wheel set fills the wheel houses of the SLS perfectly well in the format 10.5×21 and 11.5×21 inches for the front and rear respectively. The wheels are matched with Continental tires in the formats 265/30/21 and 295/25/21.

Source: INDEN Design

June 17, 2013

Toyota GT 86 TRD Griffon Project at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Toyota has presented the GT 86 TRD Griffon Project, which will make its official debut at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The car is modified specially for track driving. It comes with a TRD mechanical differential instead of the stock Torsen unit, while the final drive ratio has been shortened to 4.8:1.

Other modifications include new oil cooler, coilover suspension and TRD monoblock calipers with race-spec brake pads.

The car has gone through a massive weight reduction. Overall, 277 kg (500 lbs) has been shaved of the vehicles weight. This means a curb weight of the GT 86 TRD Griffon Project – 1,034 kg (2,279 lbs).

The exterior features carbon fiber doors, hood, roof, rear wing and boot lid, while the rear diffuser, front wing and bumpers are made from CFRP. The stock glass windows have been replaced by lighter polycarbonate units. The GT 86 now sits on 18” alloys wrapped around in Yokohama Advan performance tires.

The interior comes with a bucket seat, MOMO steering and other TRD upgrades like gauges, push start switch and gearshift knob.

Check out the full specs and equipment below!

Base vehicle	TOYOTA 86
Vehicle Type	ZN6
Vehicle dimensions (Mm)	Height Overall width 1,800 × 1,235 4,334 × length
Weight of vehicle	1,034 kg or more
Wheelbase	2,570 mm
Minimum ground clearance	No low road, per pole test car based minimum ground clearance
Tread [before]	–
Tread [after]	–
Tire size [before]	250/640R18
Tire size [after]	250/640R18
Displacement	1,998 cc
Drive system	[Rear-wheel-drive system] 2WD
Transmission	6-speed MT
Maximum output target value [] (KW [ps] / rpm)	147 [200] / 7,000
Maximum torque value [target] (N · m [kgf · m] / rpm)	205 [20.9] / 6,400 ~ 6,700
Exterior	Original design front bumper made of GFRP
	Hood made of CFRP
	Original design front fenders GFRP (wider)
	Doors made of CFRP
	Side mirror for racing
	Roof made of CFRP original design
	Trunk hood made of CFRP
	Original design rear bumper made of GFRP
	Original design rear diffuser made of GFRP
	Rear wing made of CFRP
	Triangle window polycarbonate
	Polycarbonate side windows
	Quarter polycarbonate window
	Polycarbonate rear window

Interior	TRD bucket seat
	MOMO steering
	TRD shift knob
	TRD Push Start Switch
	TAKATA seat belt
	TRD oil temperature gauge
	TRD oil pressure gauge
	Water temperature gauge TRD
Functional component	Exhaust muffler original manufactured / titanium (out center)
	EX manifold / Original stainless manifold
	Clutch cover / TRD
	Clutch disc / TRD metal disk
	TRD mechanical LSD
	Final gear into 4.8
	Differential oil cooler improved cooling
	Diff carrier bush mount reinforced rubber hardness
	KW shock
	KW Spring
	TRD stabilizer
	Into pillow ball upper mount
	Front lower arm from strengthening
	Front lower arm bush Fr reinforced rubber hardness
	Front lower arm bush into Pirro reinforced rubber hardness Rr
	Reinforcement from the rear suspension member
	Rear upper arm bush Fr reinforced rubber hardness
	Lateral link arm from strengthening
	Lateral link arm bushings rubber hardness enhancement
	Trailing link enhancement products
	Fr trailing link bushing rubber hardness enhancement
	Rr trailing link bushing rubber hardness enhancement
	Adjustable Toe Control Rod
	Toe Control Rod Bush reinforced rubber hardness
	Suspension Mount Bush Fr members into Ridjiddo
	Suspension Mount Bush Rr members into Ridjiddo
	TRD Monobloc caliper kit & Original set of brake pads (Brembo)
	RAYS TE37SL 18inch 9.5J +45 wheel

Source: Toyota

June 15, 2013

2014 Lexus IS Shows Brilliance And Style In Two New Ads

The brand new 2014 Lexus IS Sport Sedan is having an exclusive launch via two new television spots. They are stylish and visually designed to be nothing less but provocative. The IS is going to be available in showrooms next month, is the latest vehicle in the Lexus lineup and it embodies company’s commitment to bold and dynamic design.

To be more precise, this is the third-generation IS and it comes offering bold new styling and dynamic driving characteristics. This is exactly what the TV spots capture and even more, they challenge the customers with ‘It’s Your Move’ appeal.

The two new general market spots are created by Team One agency and include everything that makes more purposeful statement: music, fashion, and contrasting colors. The emotions in the two ads are entirely different as they preview the serious yet playful faces of the IS.

In the first advertisement named “Crowd” the bold and distinctive white IS F SPORT is revealed. In it this particular Lexus model heads to the open desert, the antithesis of the crowd, where it gains complete freedom and independence reign. The aim of the commercial is to highlight that things designed to draw a crowd are good, but leaving the crowd behind is more rewarding.

The second spot is called “Color Shift” and it aims to show more fun and excitement to blend out than blend in. It dares the customers to exquisitely stand out and to be different. In it the cars become characters themselves and undoubtedly showcase the exquisite experience of driving the new IS.

“Crowd” and “Color Shift” are going to be officially aired during this year’s U.S. Open Championship.

Source: Lexus

June 14, 2013

TEASER: Nissan To Debut New Vehicle For Le Mans [VIDEO]

Nissan is going to return to Le Mans next year in the Garage 56 with a brand new vehicle. This news was announced by the brand’s CEO Carlos Ghosn announced in February. Back then was also disclosed that the car will focus on innovation and excitement.

Now, the new car unveil is only a week away and its reveal will be available to see exclusively and live on Nismo.TV. The official debut of the 2014 Garage 56 entry will be on Friday, 21st of June at 10:30am. With this vehicle Nissan hopes for an LMP1 future.

Below you can view a teaser video, which is called “Electrifying future” and hints that probably the new race car will be all-electric. It is possible of course, that the new car is equipped with hybrid drivetrian. However, the logo revealed by the end of the video teaser suggests a zero emissions vehicle, which was once used to promote the racing version of the Nissan Leaf.

httpv://youtu.be/pn9ZZ-iT6wc

Video And News Source: YouTube

June 14, 2013

Porsche LMP1 To Compete In 2014 WEC And Le Mans

New Porsche LMP1 Sports Prototype is going to compete in the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from next year. The car has successfully completed its first rollout today on the Porsche test track in Weissach.

As a matter of fact, LMP1 turned its first laps several weeks earlier than planned, this allows few additional weeks for more testing and further development. The regulations for next year are mainly based on efficiency, which makes the competition amongst engineers more interesting and hides new challenges.

In addition, it was announced that from the 2014 season, the Porsche LMP1 racer will be fielded by a Weissach-based works squad. The first person to drive the vehicle on the race track was Timo Bernhard, who said that the car feels great and impatiently looks forward to testing it in the coming weeks and months with his colleague Romain Dumas.

The main aim of the development of this Porsche was to achieve the best possible efficiency without compromising on performance. The engineers started with a blank sheet of paper in the design of the new LMP1 race car.

Therefore they were able to apply many new technologies within the framework of the regulations necessary for the racings. These technologies will be applied to brand’s road legal automobiles in the future. After all, there’s a race car in every Porsche.

Source: Porsche

June 14, 2013

Stylish: Kahn Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 XS RS300

Land Rover Discovery has always been an important part of the stylish off-road vehicles, and has established a prominent place in its own market segment thus becoming an international success.

Now, the designers at A. Kahn Design are presenting to us a modified version of this iconic model, and consequently what we can expect is nothing less than luxury, style and class. The exterior of the vehicle is decided in voluptuous diamond pearl white and in addition the visual attributes of this Land Rover are further complemented by Kahn’s styling package.

To go further into details, the styling package for this particular vehicle comprises of RS front grille with 3D mesh, RS pair of vented front and rear air dams, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, exterior Kahn enamel tailgate logo, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, front wheel arch LED light strips, Kahn enamel wing shields, 9.5 x 22” RS600 wheels and privacy tinted glass.

Of course, being a true A. Kahn Design masterpiece, the Discovery didn’t go without various enhancements throughout the interior. It has been upholstered in an exceedingly fine material, which underwent rigorous process that accentuates the natural look and smoothness of quilted and perforated leather.

What is more, one can see inside a diamond quilted glove box with contrast stitching and four door armrest that again include stitching. Additional interior improvements include coloured rev counter dial, floor mats, time clock facia insert, vented foot pedals in machined aluminium and a red enamel Kahn keyring.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 14, 2013

2014 Ford Focus Electric To Be Built And Distributed In Europe

Ford has already begun the production of the 2014 Ford Focus Electric, which is the first full-electric vehicle. In addition, this car will be the firs EV built by the company and distributed in Europe.

Of course, the Focus Electric emits zero CO2 emissions, adding to brand’s line-up of electrified and highly fuel-efficient vehicles. The launch of the model will be joined in Europe by the Ford C MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric and followed by the Ford Mondeo Hybrid next year.

The car was developed as a “One Ford” global vehicle. It includes an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain. They both produce 145 hp (107 kW) and thanks to this the car achieves a Vmax of 84 mph.

Furthermore, the charging system of the Focus Electric includes a 6.6kW fully integrated onboard charger. The latter is capable of achieving a driving range of around 60 miles with 2-3 hours charging from a 32 A power supply. A full charge of the EV’s battery is in 3-4 hours and offers a 100-mile range.

Adding to this, this Ford EV is equipped with new user interface which is named SmartGauge. The latter calculates and displays the driving range based on remaining energy. In addition, the car also features unique braking and acceleration inputs, and wide range of accessories such as climate control and audio systems.

Focus Electric’s powertrain utilizes regenerative braking. This technology was developed with the aim of capturing up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy, which is usually lost during the braking process. On the other hand the innovative Brake Coach feature delivers gradual braking in order to aid the return of more energy to the battery.

First 2014 Ford Focus Electric vehicles will reach the customers in Europe from July this year.

Source: Ford

June 14, 2013

2014 Cadillac CTS – US Price $46,025

Cadillac has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 CTS, which starts from $46,025 including a $925 destination charge. This is around $6,000 more than its predecessor, but there is a significant reason for that.

The 3^rd generation CTS sedan grows, ascending into the heart of the midsize luxury market, with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The new CTS is five inches longer, expanding interior space, but also 244 lbs lighter than the previous model. It is expected to be the lightest car in its segment.

The standard equipment includes a CUE Infotainment system, an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system, Brembo brake system, Magnetic Ride Control and 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The engine range includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 272HP (203 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 321HP (239 kW) and 373 Nm (275 lb-ft) and a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 with 420HP (313 kW) and 583Nm (430 lb-ft).

The top-of-range CTS V Sport model is priced at $59,955, and comes equipped with an electronic limited slip differential and 8-speed automatic transmission in RWD only.

Source: Cadillac

June 13, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Golf VI R Cabriolet – UK Price £33,170

Volkswagen UK has announced that the all-new 2013 Golf VI R Cabriolet will have a massive 5,600 price cut, which means that the convertible is now available for just 33,170.

“The price and premise were wrong, and with the benefit of independent perspective we pushed very hard to get the pricing modified”, commented VW UK chief Robert Hazelwood.

What is more the manufacturer promised to return the difference to all current 6 clients who ordered the car before the price cut.

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf VI R Cabriolet is powered by the well-known 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 270HP (200 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG available as an option.

Source: Volkswagen

June 13, 2013

2013 Chevrolet Captiva – UK Price £21,295

Chevrolet has announced the new 2013 Captiva, which was presented to the public at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Captiva introduces several changes to the rear and front of the vehicle, including new LED tail lamps, angular chrome exhaust tips and a remodelled bumper. Up front, it sports a lower bumper, a new grille mesh as well as restyled fog lamps. New 18” alloy wheels further enhance Captiva’s road presence.

The interior boasts fresh seat colors, new fabrics (leather seats), and restyled trims in the instrument panel. A dual-zone climate system, an ambient lighting package and heated rear seats provide even more comfort on select specifications.

Offering up to seven seats, along with additional convenience features, the restyled Captiva is a typical SUV for the family.

The new Captiva is available in three trim levels – LS starting at £21,295, LT starting at £26,995 and top-of-range level spec LTZ starting at £29,995. It is available in 2.2VCDi both automatic and manual.

Source: Chevrolet

June 13, 2013

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