Automobiles Review – Page 709 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

The Sportiest Cars of 2013 – Three BMWs in the Lead

Three BMW models lead in three different classes for “The sportiest cars of 2013“. The manufacturer shows once again its preference for pure driving pleasure.

In the diesel category, the BMW M550d xDrive was voted into first place again, continuing the trend it set the previous year. Two more first-in-class awards were won by the BMW F30 335i Sedan and the BMW E92 335i LCI Coupe.

The “Sport Auto” Awards 2013 was presented on 12^th June 2013 at the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.

As a reminder, the BMW M550d xDrive is powered by N57D30 with three turbocharges, high pressure piezo injectors and a lot of aluminum elements. The result is 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a Vmax of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel economy is 6.3 l/100km with 165 g/km of CO2. The power is put on the road through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and the world’s most intelligent AWD system.

The E92 335i LCI and F30 335i share the same old 3.0 liter in-line six-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol developing 300HP (224 kW) and 407Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to the new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends all that power to the rear wheels, where electronically controlled differential takes care about the traction in every road conditions.

The curb weight of the car is 1627 kg (3586 lbs), which is not so much, so the performance is staggering. 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. The 335i covers ¼ mile in 13.3 seconds with terminal speed of 167 km/h.

So when we mention “sport” in the world of cars, the first thing we have in mind is BMW!

Source: BMW

June 13, 2013

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar Goes On Sale [VIDEO]

Only 500 examples of 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar will reach dealers with their limited-edition attitude. Prepared for this summer, the Mopar ’13 Dart wears a signature Pitch Black exterior with offset Mopar blue racing stripe running from nose to tail. The similar color theme was used in the Mopar editions for Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300.

The interior of the car features seats which are covered in Katzkin leather. The driver’s seat is Mopar blue with black accents while the rest of the seats are black with blue accents. In addition, the steering wheel and shift knob are also wrapped in black leather but this time there is present a contrast blue stitching.

All in all, black is the dominant color throughout the interior. However, there are some color accents such as the Mopar blue lighting accenting the instrument panel.

Moreover, the engine under the hood of this special edition Dart is the turbocharged and intercooled 1.4-liter four-cylinder one. It generates 160 hp (118 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is matched with a six-speed manual transmission.

What is more, the car will include also a Mopar sport-tuned exhaust. In addition, the height of the car is lowered by 7 millimeters when compared with the base Dart. Its looks are further accentuated via the Mopar ground effects kit which comprises of chin spoiler, deck-lid spoiler, rear diffuser, and low-profile 225/40R18 tires mounted on gloss-black 18-inch wheels and premium disc brakes with slotted rotors and a revised calibration.

Some of the additional features in this limited edition Mopar vehicle additional features include an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen, wireless charging for smartphones, bright sport-pedal kit, door-sill guards and premium Mopar floor mats.

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar Limited Edition has a starting price of $25 485.

httpv://youtu.be/u–E9wQ-s4A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Dodge

June 13, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel With Featured Overboost

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will now offer to its customers quick off-the-line acceleration and at the same time which is combined with great fuel efficiency. This is possible thanks to the utilization of a turbocharging feature called “overboost”.

The vehicle uses a diesel turbocharged 2.0L engine which generates 151 horsepower (113 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). However, the afore mentioned overboost enhances the torque up to 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. That’s the equivalent torque generated by the 1972 Camaro Z28’s heavier 5.7L V8.

Despite the performance and unlike the muscle car era, the new Cruze Diesel has impressive fuel economy of a 46 mpg highway, and demonstrates a range of 717 miles on one tank of fuel. As a matter of fact, the overboost provides increased performance and thanks to it this Chevrolet sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.6 seconds.

The fuel economy on the other hand is achieved via greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process, as well as iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft. The last two features are designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine.

A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold are responsible for unit’s ability to offer balanced ride and handling. All in all, Cruze‘s turbo-diesel engine is powerful, efficient and clean and it aims to change the perceptions of what a diesel car can be.

Source: Chevrolet

June 13, 2013

MG Unveiles 2013 MG3 Urban Vehicle

MG3 was officially unveiled in all its glamour at the Birmingham-based European Design Centre. It showed its inherent visual attributes which aim to grab the attention of the young and style buyers.

MG3 is all about personal style, because it offers the ability for individualization. It is going to be offered with three trim levels, 10 colours and a range of at least 10 graphic packs, making the combinations almost endless.

Some of the exterior highlights feature 6” Diamond cut alloy wheels, unique LED ‘hockey stick’ daytime running lights, sport-design bumper, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, sports-design rear valance, chrome exhaust finishers and MG insert headlamps.

To go even further into details, from the front of the car there is an immediate flash of style hanks to the impressive ‘hockey stick’ LED daytime running lights, full width black mesh grille, black A-Pillar and ‘visor’ wraparound style windscreen.

The side of the car is also striking with its dual color side skirts, lowering the stance, diamond-cut, dual colour wheels. At the rear is visible the rear valance insert inspired by generations of MG racing cars, a unique superelliptic tail pipe finished in chrome and a body coloured tail spoiler.

Depending on the chosen trim level, the interior of the MG3 includes air conditioning system, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, DAB radio, USB/Aux input, automatic lights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, ‘ZERO’ design fabric seats and part-leather trim.

In addition, inside the car the occupants will experience comfortability, ambience and spaciousness. For instance, MG3’s ‘rolled and raised’ front dashboard design delivers an airy forward cabin space and increased legroom. In addition, in the rear of the car, the front seats are sculpted to allow rear passengers excellent space to travel in comfort.

One of the main strategies used in the design of the MG3 was to bring about real fun of driving. Here the MG chassis engineers have delivered footed handling and impressive ride comfort.

The other main strategy was to offer customers the opportunity to optimally personalize the vehicle. The available options here are roof, side and bonnet graphics, interior trims, wheels, vents, surrounds and mats in a choice of designs, colors and finishes.

More importantly, the car will be powered by a VTi-TECH petrol engine, which produces 105 hp (77 kW). The dynamic and responsive unit is matched with a five-speed manual transmission. In addition, the model offers compact dimensions. It is just 4-metres long and thus it is really easy to drive and park and additionally it is very practical.

Full specifications and prices of the MG3 will be announced nearer to the public launch by the beginning of September.

MG3 Early Specification Information:

Engine and Chassis
Type			SOHC VTI-TECH
Output			105PS TBC
Aspiration			Naturally Aspirated
Delivery			Multipoint injection
Fuel			UNLEADED 95 RON
Cylinders			4
Valves			16
Camshaft drive			Chain
Front suspension			MacPherson struts
Rear suspension			Twist Beam
Steering system			HPAS
Throttle			Drive by wire

Fuel Consumption
Emission Standard
Dimensions (Exterior)			EU5 plus
Overall Length
Width		mm	4015
Height			1728
Wheelbase (mm)			1520
Dimensions (Interior)			2520
Front
Rear	Legroom (max)	mm	1063
	Headroom (max)		954
	Shoulder room (max)		1365
	Legroom rear (max)		875
	Headroom rear (max)		972
			1318

Source: MG

June 13, 2013

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts Go Beyond The Standard

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts offer striking and individual visual attributes which enhance the expressive the unique appearance of the emblematic model. The tuning company AC Schnitzer has given the MINIs a combination of innovative technology with stylish and cheeky design.

In addition, they have equipped the vehicles with new AC Schnitzer sports wings with integrated fins. They convincingly stand out and in addition complement perfectly the paint scheme thus gathering more attention.

Furthermore, the cars also run on new wheels, namely the AC Schnitzer Mi2 alloys in 18-inch sizes. The mirror covers are also colored in the corresponding dye. The colourful styling is continued through vinyls in four fluorescent Color Line shades: Red, Yellow, Blue and Green.

At last to mention is the fact that the AC Schnitzer Color Line Decor Set comprises of films for driver and passenger sides, tailgate stickers and bonnet films. They go along with the vinyls for the vehicle roof and are available in four expressive colors. Of course, they can be combined individually with paintwork in any color.

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 13, 2013

2014 Audi A3 Sedan – Full Specs

2014 Audi A3 Sedan - Front Angle

Audi has released full specs of the all-new 2014 A3 Sedan. The highly-anticipated car has gone into production at the manufacturer’s plant in Györ, Hungary.

The entry-level model comes with fabric seats, metallic trim elements, air conditioning and a 4-speaker audio system. Option list include leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, GPS navigation and an Audi Connect infotainment system.

The engine range includes a 1.4 liter TFSI with 140HP (103 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The fuel consumption is around 4.7 liters / 100 km – 60.1 mpg UK.

There is also a 1.8 liter TFSI with 180HP (132 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seocnds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The average fuel consumption is just 5.6 liters / 100 km – 50.4 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Last, but not least is the 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (110 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). The average fuel consumption is 4.1 liters / 100 km – 68.9 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 107 g/km.

The engines will eventually be joined by another 1.4-liter TFSI, a 1.6-liter TDI and a EURO 6 compliant 2.0-liter TDI.

The upcoming S3 Sedan will come with complete aerodynamics package with aggressive styling, lowered sports suspension (-25 mm) and a set of 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

It will be powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI – 300 HP (221 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tur6IJ8d78w

Source: Audi

June 12, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – UK Price £37,845

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is now offered in the UK. The pricing starts from £37,845 OTR with first deliveries taking place in August. This is the first production car to achieve 181HP / litre displacement.

The A45 AMG is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 360HP (265 kW) at 6,000RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 2,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The engine is mated to an AMG SPEED SHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with three driving programs, double-declutching function and Race Start. It is able to return 40.9 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 161 g/km of CO₂.

The exterior features new front bumper with extensions to the airdams to feed the intercooler is joined by a new AMG grille, a deep front splitter and, at the side of the car, gloss black sill extensions. A new braking system, springs and dampers are behind twin five-spoke 18” wheels. At the back, a new bumper sits above a bespoke exhaust system. The A 45 AMG is available in a choice of eight colours and three wheel designs in either 18” or 19” diameter.

Inside, the extensive changes continue – AMG Performance seats, fitted as standard, with red stitching, red nappa leather provide enhanced lateral support. A sports steering wheel in nappa leather with red stitching, red seats belts and the AMG badge on the seats add to the exclusive AMG feel along with carbon weave, textured trim.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 12, 2013

2013 Vauxhall Insignia – UK Price

Vauxhall has released full information and pricing of the new 2013 Insignia.

Available as a 5-door Hatch, 4-door Saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up. There are four new engines including: a 99g/km 140HP 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170HP Turbo; and a new 250HP 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, is fully compatible with a driver’s smartphone and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

There are 8 trim levels (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers.

Check out the specs and pricing below!

All models have a long list of standard equipment, which includes:

DMB digital radio
Bluetooth connectivity
USB connection and aux-in socket
CD/MP3 player & stereo radio
LED daytime running lights
Leather covered steering wheel
Cruise control and trip computer
Electric four-way lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
Electric height adjustment on driver’s seat
Six airbags
Remote control security alarm and deadlock
Electronic Stability Control
Electric Park Brake
Electronic climate control
Automatic lighting control
Electrically operated front windows
Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors

Pricing

Prices from	Price	VAT	Total	OTR
Design	£ 12,791	£ 2,558	£ 15,349	£ 16,279
Energy	£ 15,833	£ 3,167	£ 18,999	£ 19,929
Limited Edition	£ 16,749	£ 3,350	£ 20,099	£ 21,029
SRi	£ 14,291	£ 2,858	£ 17,149	£ 18,079
SRi VX-Line	£ 16,220	£ 3,244	£ 19,464	£ 20,219
SE	£ 15,203	£ 3,041	£ 18,244	£ 18,999
Tech Line	£ 15,911	£ 3,182	£ 19,094	£ 19,849
Elite	£ 17,187	£ 3,437	£ 21,379	£ 21,379

Vauxhall Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX Start/Stop

Company Car Driver Savings

Equipment	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat Bluemotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
DAB Radio	Yes	No	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	Yes	No	Yes
Bluetooth®	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB	Yes	No	Yes
Climate control	Yes	No	No
LED Daytime running lights	Yes	Yes	No

Benefit-in-Kind	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat BlueMotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
P11D	£18,690	£20,140	£20,715
CO₂ g/km	99	112	114
BiK Band 2013/14/15 (%)	14 / 15 / 17	17 / 18 / 20	17 / 18 / 20
Total BiK Payable (40%)	£3,439	£4,431	£4,557
Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£992	£1,118

Fuel Economy and Performance	Insignia Design 2.0CDTi 16v (120PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Mondeo Edge 1.6TDCi (115PS)	Passat BlueMotion Tech S 1.6TDI (105PS)
Combined MPG	76.3	65.7	68.9
Power	120PS	115PS	105PS
Fuel Cost 60,000 Miles	£5,005	£5,812	£5,542
Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£807	£537

Total Insignia Company Car Driver Saving		£1,799	£1,655

Source: Vauxhall

June 12, 2013

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci represent the perfect example of the combination between Italian craftsmanship and style. In addition, one can find all this exclusiveness in a small and compact car. Of course, the models will be produced in a limited edition run and will deliver their customers discrete appearance inside and out.

As a matter of fact, this is the fastest-selling Fiat 500 on the US market now and this success is a pure instance that the customers appreciate high-quality small vehicles which can offer craftsmanship, technology and the style.

These Gucci Edition models offer for the 2013 model year a new Nero monotone interior environment. On one hand it can complements Gucci Nero exterior or make the perfect contrast to the Gucci Bianco glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and the Gloss Nero lighting bezels.

The new interior is nothing less than stylish and at the same time extremely functional. One can see chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature “Guccissima”. In addition, there are also Premium Nero leather accents that can be seen inside, and particularly found on the door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For those who are keen on two-tone interior, the models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. To be more precise, tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.

How about the exterior changes featured in this year’s models. First of all they include several exclusive design elements which refer to Cinquecento’s iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model.

Next, a chrome cursive “Gucci” completes the door frames and hatchback. It also complements the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear.

The vehicles also include sculpted fenders which offer one-of-a-kind design, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior pain, wheels’ center caps with interlocking “GG” hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde.

2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting price of $23 750, while the price tag of 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition starts at $27 750.

Source: Fiat

June 12, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Amarok Edition – 300 Units

Volkswagen has announced the Amarok Edition in the UK, which will be limited to just 300 units. The pricing starts from £22,495 (manual) and £24,225 (automatic).

The Amarok Edition is based on the Trendline variant. It comes with body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, the Amarok edition’s additional design features include striking 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, a black side step, black styling bars across the load area, rear privacy glass and special edition decals. Drivers also benefit from front and rear parking sensors, a protective coating for the load area, interior floor mats, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation with a 5” colour touchscreen as standard.

The engine is a 2.0 liter BiTDI with 180HP (132 kW) and 420Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque. This is enough for maximum towing capacity of 3,200 kg (7,054 lbs). The engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with selectable 4MOTION or to an 8-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4MOTION.

The Amarok edition is available in two colours: Reflex Silver, with black door mirror covers, or Deep Black, with silver door mirrors.

Amarok edition	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 BiTDI (bi-turbo with intercooler)	2.0 BiTDI BlueMotion Technology (bi-turbo with intercooler)
Power (PS/rpm)	180 PS at 4,000 rpm
Torque (Nm/rpm)	400 at 1,500-2,000	420 at 1,750
Number of gears	6	8
Top speed (mph)	111	108
0-62mph (seconds)	11.0	11.3
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	211
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	3170
Unladen weight (kg)	2,074	2,088
Payload (kg)	1,096	1,082
Axle load limit front/rear (kg)	1,410/1,860	1,425/1,860
Towing limit (braked, kg)	3,000	3,200
Gross train weight (kg)	5,550	5,950
Fuel economy (mpg): Urban Extra-urban Combined	30.7 38.7 35.3	31.0 38.2 35.3

Source: Volkswagen

June 12, 2013

Cenit Verde Presents The SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype

SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype has just been unveiled. The environmental-friendly vehicle is based on the new Leon and is a culmination of a four-year research project called Cenit Verde, which translates as Green Zenith.

The project was headed by SEAT’s Technical Centre in Martorell and in addition was supported by the Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Next to the presented car today, the Cenit Verde project also includes the development of an innovative smart car charging system.

The latter aims to charge the car during those times, when the electricity grid is experiencing low demand. This saves the both money and reduces the strain on the energy grid. In this sense, the SEAT Leon Verde is an embodiment of the Cenit Verde project. The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 122 hp (90 kW) which is connected to a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor.

The electric-only driving range of this SEAT on a full charge is 31 miles. When the battery is full battery and the 40-litre petrol tank is also full, the total range is estimated around 507 miles. The combined fuel consumption figure here is 176.6 mpg and the CO2 emissions are just 36 g/km.

Furthermore, the Leon Verde is equipped with advanced technologies. An instance is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which has been integrated into a smartphone app. This allows the driver to connect to the car via a wireless network with his or her smartphone and in turn this enables managing of the functions such as energy consumption, battery status, recharge management and estimated CO2 savings in electric mode.

What is more, the Driving Cycle Predictor analyses and memorizes the routines and driving style of the driver. This serves in terms of optimizing energy consumption and decreasing the CO2 emissions.

In the project as mentioned was also developed the ground-breaking system of tariff negotiation and smart energy management. It effectively allows the car to ‘interact’ with the electricity grid and this reduces the pressure on the grid and saves driver’s money.

The system operates by detecting when the overall energy consumption is low on the grid and points to charging during these times. In addition, if the car is left plugged into a power source between 7 pm and 7 am, the same system will only charge the car at times when it detects the overall demand has dropped, using a recharge manager.

The Leon Verde is charged via Lear 20 kW on-board charger, which allows two-way connection to the grid.

SEAT Leon Verde prototype is only in a research and development form. Unfortunately, there are no current plans to put the car into series production.

Source: SEAT

June 12, 2013

Bugatti Veyron vs Nissan Juke R [video]

Dragtimesinfo has published an epic battle between tuned Nissan Juke R and stock Bugatti Veyron.

The Veyron is one of the fastest super cars in the world. It is powered by a W16 8.0 liter quad-turbocharged engine with 1,001HP (736 kW) and 1,250Nm (922 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 16.7 seconds. ¼ mile in 10.2 seconds. That’s the factory’s data, but in the real world the situation is slightly different.

The Veyron in the video managed to cover ¼ mile in 11.276 seconds with 214 km/h terminal speed, which is over a second slower than the claimed time. Other interesting fact is the terminal speed at 1 mile – 309 km/h, which the Bugatti made in 27.067 seconds, instead of 18-19 seconds. Still, the Veyron is a winner in this match, just because of its aerodynamics.

On the other side, the Juke R Shpili Villi is having “just” 700HP, but it covered ¼ mile in 10.575 seconds with 212 km/h. The 1 mile time is 28.075 seconds with 285 km/h mainly because of its front drag area.

Enjoy the video, where the underpowered SUV almost won a drag race versus the ultra-expensive “supercar”.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTSbPB3nXDM

Source: Dragtimesinfo

June 12, 2013

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