Automobiles Review – Page 730 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Volkswagen Golf VII R-Line Packages

Volkswagen has announced three special R-Line packages for the all-new 2013 Golf VII. The packages emphasize the sporty design and are now available as optional R-Line “Exterior” package R-Line ‘interior’ pack and R-Line Sport Package for order.

The R-Line “Exterior” package emphasizes the striking appearance of the Gulf and provides the following facilities:

– Rear spoiler in body color
– Fog lights
– radiator grille with “R-Line” logo
– R-Line specific grille, gloss black
– R-Line front and rear bumpers with “R” styling
– flared sills
– Sporty, black painted diffuser for visible and no visible exhaust pipes

The package is available for the Highline equipment lines for the price of €995 and Comfortline for the price of €1180.

The R-Line ‘interior’ pack ensures the interior an especially sporty feel and includes:

– Inlays in aluminum look “Black Lead Grey” for the dashboard and door panels
– door sills front in stainless steel
– Black headliner
– pedal caps in stainless steel
– sport seating system in the fabric pattern “Race”, cheek insides in microfiber “San Remo”, “R-Line” logo in the front seat
– Ambient lighting
– leather sports multifunction steering wheel with “R-Line” logo and decorative stitching in Crystal Grey
– Gear lever knob in leather, switching tulip and center armrest with decorative stitching in crystal gray
– “R-Line” logo on the Home screen

The package is available for the Highline equipment lines for the price of €640 and Comfortline at a price of €945.

Alternatively, the leather “Vienna” for the R-Line interior “package offered (for Highline for the price of €1755 and Comfortline for a price of €2115).

The optionally available R-Line Sport Package provides a particularly dynamic driving experience and consists of:

– Sports suspension
– Progressive Steering
– darkened side windows and rear window

Source: Volkswagen

April 26, 2013

2014 Range Rover Sport – UK Price £51,500

The new 2014 Range Rover Sport is priced from £51,500 in the UK.

The SUV is available in four trim levels: SE, HSE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic.

The SE comes equipped with leather upholstery, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, DAB digital audio, a power tailgate, intelligent stop-start, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, HD navigation, four-corner air suspension with automatic levelling, Terrain Response® and Say-What-You-See voice control.

Among the additional features provided on the HSE are 20” alloy wheels, Oxford perforated leather seats featuring 14-way electric front seat adjustment with memory function, heated rear seats, power steering column adjustment, front fog lights, paddle shift controls, heated windscreen, rear view camera and aluminium Range Rover treadplates.

HSE Dynamic adds both extra styling and handling features, including stainless steel pedals, a bright finish for the twin tailpipes, a gloss black grille and vents, 21” alloys, illuminated treadplates, twin speed transfer box, torque vectoring and the added functionality of Terrain Response^® 2 Auto. Prices start from £64,995.

The Autobiography Dynamic specification befits its flagship status, introducing as standard; High Beam Assist for the headlights, configurable interior mood lighting, Meridian Surround Sound audio system, illuminated treadplates, adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist, an advanced preventative safety package including emergency braking and active front seatbelts. Prices start from £74,995.

The engine range includes TDV6 with 258HP (192 kW), SDV6 with 292HP (217 kW) and the mighty V8 5.0 liter supercharged petrol with 510HP (380 kW).

Order books are now open with first deliveries planned to start from quarter three 2013.

Source: Land Rover

April 26, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Citan Euro NCAP Crash Test – 3 Stars

Very bad result for the new Mercedes-Benz Citan during the tough Euro NCAP crash tests. The The Renault Kangoo-based vehicle managed to gather only three stars out of five.

The Citan was criticized for offering poor pedestrian protection due to the front bumper and hood design. What is more, the hard structure could cause major head injuries to those sitting on the front seats, while the airbags are not capable of providing sufficient protection. In other words – you are in danger, if you are on front seats.

Other bad point is a significant gap between the B-pillar and the sliding door’s front edge. This may cause serious injuries to the occupant’s limbs. The chest area is also weakly protected in case of impact.

Since the passenger airbag cannot be deactivated, a rearward-facing child restraint cannot be used in that seating position.

So, if you are buying the spacious and comfortable Citan, try to avoid accidents at all cost!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWr99MfdJcc

Source: Euro NCAP

April 26, 2013

Kahn Range Rover Santorini Black RS600 Cosworth

The tuners at A. Kahn Design have revealed their latest project which is on the iconic Range Rover. It includes a seductive mix of santorini black metallic livery and an invigorating boost in terms of power. The enhancements in the output were the courtesy of Cosworth.

They have ensured for the Kahn Range Rover Santorini Black RS 600 Cosworth a very rapid and individual 4×4 that can achieve acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds. The reason for this premium performance is the 5.0 supercharged HSE engine.

To be more precise, the engine enhancements consist of an arrangement of alterations to the supercharger and ECU programming. This results in a boost in power from 500 hp (368 kW) to 545 hp (400 kW). The torque is also changed and it is estimated now around 813 Nm (600 lb-ft).

The exterior of this vehicle is exceptional and it looks enchanting tanks to its elongated silhouette. What the designers have done is to equip it with new RS600 styling package that comprises of the following elements: RS vented front and rear wheel arches with integrated rear air dams (3 pieces), an extended front lower lip spoiler, Satin Black bonnet and roof stripe, RS front grille with 3D mesh, front wheel arch LED light strips, exterior Kahn enamel wing shields, Kahn enamel tailgate logo, Exhausts side vents (pair) and door handles in body colour.

The interior on the other hand is a masterpiece. Of course, inside is visible the famous “bespoke touch” of the tuning brand. This particular model comes with a Vesuvius Orange Rev Counter, Interior facia trim (8 pieces), front and rear bespoke seats, floor mats, quilted centre glove box, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, and rear tailgate centre trim in 3D Carbon finish.

Kahn Range Rover Santorini Black RS600 Cosworth runs effortlessly on Kahn RS600 wheels which in this case are in sizes 9 x 22” and 10 x 22” for the front and the rear respectively. They fit all original centre caps.

Source: A. Kahn Design

April 26, 2013

2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo To Compete At Paul Ricard Circuit

The Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet, in the South of France, will be the place of the opening round of the 2013 Maserati Trofeo MC World Series. There will be the first round of a series of a global championship, with races to be held in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

At least 24 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeos will be present at the race and they will be driven by champions such as Renaud Kuppens, Alan Simoni-Riccardo Ragazzi pairing, Jonathan Sicart and Ange Barde.

Furthermore, there will be a new race format that will raise the standards and make each round more exciting. For instance, there will be two 30-minute events and a 50 minutes one. Nevertheless, the real change will be the introduction of added time for the quickest drivers.

To be more precise, this means that the top five drivers in the weekend’s first two races are going to compete from 5 to 20 seconds longer, on top of their compulsory 45 seconds, during the endurance race.

The grand prize of the Championship is an exclusive, numbered and name-plated “Maserati 8CTF single speed” bicycle, that has been produced by Montante Cicli in a limited run of 200. It celebrates Wilbur Shaw’s 1939 and 1940 wins in the Indianapolis 500 at the wheel of the Maserati 8CTF.

2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo Specifications:

Bodywork

Carbon fibre
Windows
Windscreen, rear and side windows in Lexan

Chassis

Steel with welded integral rollcage structure, FIA approved

Interior

Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and console in carbon fibre throughout
6-points seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system

Electrical system

Specific, with data acquisition system integrated in the dashboard

Fuel tank

110 l with a carbon safety frame homologated by the FIA

Brakes

Racing system without ABS, with steel discs
Front disc: 380 mm, rear disc: 326 mm
Front callipers: 6 pistons. Rear callipers: 4 pistons

Wheels

Front: 11”x18”
Rear: 13”x18”

Tyres

Front: 305/660/18
Rear: 325/705/18

Shock absorbers

Racing type, fixed setting with preload adjustment

Dimensions And Weight

Width: 1914 mm
Length: 4935 mm
Height: 1300 mm
Front overhang: 930 mm
Rear overhang: 1064 mm
Wheelbase: 2940 mm
Front track: 1618 mm
Rear Track: 1580 mm
Weight: 1400 Kg
Weight distribution: 51.3% front / 48.7% rear

Engine:

V8
Displacement: 4,691 cc
Power: 488 CV
Ignition: Bosch – digital system

Gearbox

Rear, longitudinal gearbox, with transaxle scheme
6 gears + reverse, syncromesh
Electrohydraulic activation, with F1-type controls

Source: Maserati

April 26, 2013

2014 Cadillac CTS Reveals New Design Approaches

When one looks more deeply at the 2014 Cadillac CTS he or she reveals that some new design approaches have been applied on it. We are speaking here about the new form and function of the headlamps.

The new luxury sport sedan combines light-emitting diode and high intensity discharge lights in order to create a sleeker new “face” for this Cadillac model. In particular, the CTS sedan includes 16 indirect fire LED lights on each headlamp with eight LEDs beginning on the fender of the car and an additional eight LEDs continuing down the front bumper. The eight LED lights on the front bumper also double as a turn indicator.

As a matter of fact, all of these LEDs when combined together operate as a single day-time running lights. The main headlights or the projectors are composed of a single HID element that serves as both low and high beams. In addition, the Active Forward Lighting delivers more clear vision through corners by turning with steering direction.

2014 Cadillac CTS was recently introduced at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The model delivers expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology. This is the third-generation CTS. It combines engineering and design solutions from the architecture of the ATS sport sedan and will be the lightest car its class.

Source: Cadillac

April 26, 2013

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS Delivers More On-Road Aggressiveness

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS now has enhanced aggressive stance thanks to the modifications done on it by the designing team. LUMMA‘s latest creation includes redesigned wide-body kit, which was already introduced via the LUMMA CLR components.

The exclusive LUMMA CLR RS offers impressive looks combined with sportiness ad elegance. For instance, the striking front spoiler bumper further accentuates the character of this Range Rover model.

In addition, the double daytime running lights serve as design elements that enhance the sporty look of the vehicle. In the widened fenders on the other hand there are additional air intakes. What is more, the sports front grille is available in visible carbon or painted. The door panels harmonize with the beefy extensions.

When looked at the rear, this model highlights the silhouette of the brand new Range Rover Sport thanks to the massive rear apron bumper including a rear diffuser. Moreover, the LUMMA sport exhaust system delivers a robust sound, while the aerodynamic components like the roof spoiler and rear spoiler lip add to the visual attributes of the automobile.

LUMMA Design Range Rover Sport CLR RS runs on 22 and 23 inches wheels. The complete wheel set with the dimensions 12×22 goes along with 305/35-22 tires, while the wheel set in the dimensions 11×23 is coupled with 305/30-23 tires. At last, the hood is made of full carbon fiber and includes integrated vents.

Source: LUMMA Design

April 26, 2013

Desire: Short Film Featuring Damian Lewis And Jaguar F-Type [VIDEO]

Today was the world premiere of Desire – the anticipated short film by Jaguar, at Sundance London. The film was created in collaboration with Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) and in it stars Damian Lewis, Jordi Mollà and Shannyn Sossamon.

The director of “Desire”, Adam Smith, described the creative project as a true adventure and challenge, where a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed is told. The film was shot at Chile’s Atacama desert, which is one of the most beautiful and marvelous places on the planet.

In addition, the award-winning singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey made the title song to the film, called “Burning Desire”, which was officially revealed on Valentine’s Day this year. More importantly, another highlight is the Jaguar F-Type itself, which is equipped with brand’s highly acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The latter delivers 495 hp (364 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers result in an effortless acceleration time of 4.3 seconds for the sprit of 0 to 100 km/h on the way to a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). As a matter of fact, the F-TYPE is not designed to be like an ordinary sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.

You can view the short film below:

httpv://youtu.be/41Qztg4EjmM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Jaguar

April 25, 2013

BMW 6-Series F12 MH6 S Bi-turbo – 700HP and 900Nm

Manhart Racing are famous with their super powerful tuned cars. Again, they proved that the factory’s power coming from BMW M6 F13 is not enough.

The 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 is boosted to whopping 700HP (515 kW) and 900Nm (667 lb-ft) of torque. Performance boost will of course, also include a complete exhaust system including downpipes with sports catalysers and the company’s own end-silencer.

Manhart Racing will combine a coilover kit with forged alloy wheels for the perfect mechanical grip.

The presentation of the first Manhart MH6 S Biturbo is scheduled for the late summer of 2013.

Source: Manhart Racing

April 25, 2013

New Meaning Of Lightweight: Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept is equipped with brand’s latest and most innovative TT 2.0 TFSI which has shed an incredible 300kg and gained a power upgrade to 310 hp (228 kW). The car was developed especially for next month‘s annual gathering of Audi enthusiasts in Wörthersee, Germany. It aims to show how the intelligent mix of materials can result in weight savings.

This Audi concept weighs just 1111 kg, while featuring a potent petrol engine with quattro all-wheel-drive. As stated it generates 310 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The power is transmitted through a six-speed transmission, the result is blistering 4.2-second acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed here is 173 mph.

The reduction of weight was achieved via modifications to the crankcase, the crankshaft, the balancer shafts, the flywheel, the sump, the bolts and certain ancillary units in the engine (the result is 25 kg less). In addition, the innovative hybrid body shell already boasts a low body weight of 206 kilograms.

Furthermore, the utilization of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in the rear end, the centre tunnel, the B-pillars and the roof as well as the magnesium components in the floor and in the hinge reinforcements effect in additional savings.

Another highlight here is the Fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) also replaces more conventional steel for the coil springs in the suspension, helping to further reduce unsprung masses. Other changes in the vehicle have been also made in order to achieve minimum weight. All in all, the overall weight of the car is 300 kilograms lighter compared to the series-production car.

Of course, the exterior of this Audi concept is more than exceptional. Its styling is additionally accentuated through the large spoiler at the front, the base of the rear wing made as a supporting component from milled aluminium, and the wing – made of visible carbon fibre. The exterior color is crystal white and it is complemented by CFRP elements on the roof, the flanks and the tailgate.

On the other hand, the interior includes CFRP on the door trim, the centre console and the cross-bracing that replaces the rear seat bench. The standard front seats are also replaced by fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bucket seats.

In terms of technology equipment in this model one can find air conditioning, electric window controls, an electromechanical parking brake as well as compact cameras in the doors. Their function is to substitute the exterior mirrors and transfer images into the digital cockpit.

Source: Audi

April 25, 2013

2014 Dodge SRT Viper – 11.1 seconds at 1/4 mile [video]

The new 2014 Dodge SRT Viper is simply astonishing vehicle. The modern muscle car was created not only for straight line driving, but going through corners very fast. Still, we will see the impressive result of SRT Viper at the Palm Beach International Raceway.

During the testing by Drag Times, the sports car managed to stop the clock at 11.1 seconds @ ¼ mile with a terminal speed of 205 km/h (127.4 mph). This result was achieved by using launch control system. 0-100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and 0-160 km/h in 7.1 seconds, obviously the SRT Viper need just 4 seconds to accelerate from 160 to 200 km/h.

The 2013 Viper SRT is powered by an 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs), so 0-100 km/h takes 3 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, the model can go from 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ7Ljqy395o

Source: Dragtimes

April 25, 2013

Toyota Me.We Concept – Four Cars In One [VIDEO]

Toyota ME.WE Concept Vehicle does not get under any classification pr class of vehicles. It is at the same time a small city car, off-roader, ute and convertible, which makes it perfectly adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles.

The five-seat electric car is a result of the joint venture between Toyota and the industrial designer Jean-Marie Massaud. As a matter of fact, the car’s name reflects a simultaneous concern for individual freedom (ME) and responsibility towards society (WE).

This concept is created with the aim of “intelligent reduction”: it accommodates the automotive needs of people by eliminating excess in a package thus combining pure driving pleasure with environmental responsibility.

To go further into details, the ME.WE utilizes lightweight, robust and recyclable materials – a tubular aluminium structure, body panels made from expanded polypropylene, and bamboo for the floor and dashboard.

Furthermore, the interior of the car is entirely orientated towards the passengers, while the luggage can be carried on the roof and protected by a neoprene cover. Additionally, the rear luggage space can also be extended.

The instruments included in this vehicle are restricted to only one screen above the steering wheel. On it the driver can receive information about vehicle speed, battery charge, trip information and navigation instructions delivered by a smart phone, which is mounted below the screen.

Simple design is matched by ease of use: it has an electric motor in each wheel like the recently unveiled Toyota i-ROAD and its batteries are located under the floor, as with the Toyota iQ electric car.

Toyota will exhibit the inherent innovation of the ME.WE by unveiling the concept car in its Paris showroom – Le Rendez-vous Toyota on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The vehicle will be on display until 12th of June. Sadly, the Japanese brand states that there are no future plans for the ME.WE to enter production.

Toyota Me.We Concept – Technical Specifications

DIMENSIONS