Automobiles Review – Page 736 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Ferrari Xezri Competizione Concept by Samir Sadikhov

2013 Ferrari Xezri Competizione Concept is unique project done by the designer and artist Samir Sadikhov. When we first saw this project we were completely carried away! Just look at the forms of this Ferrari and feel its powerful presence.

As a matter of fact if this project comes to reality it must be the source of supreme level of technology, innovation and distinctiveness. It undoubtedly represents the core of Ferrari, and also mixes brands history and aims for the future. All in all the Xezri Competizione was designed with the goal to be a hyper car which achieves extreme performance.

Therefore it is no wonder that the sporty character of this car includes outstanding exterior and interior features. What has been achieved in the exterior is the increase of the downforce by the extensive use of carbon-fibre and some of the flexible components.

In addition, Xezri Competizione is adorned by vents, splitters and wings. The number 23 can be seen when the car is viewed from one side. What is also visible is that it runs on set of high quality Pirelli P Zero racing wheels, has low center of gravity and an extremely aggressive on-road presence.

April 15, 2013

Volvo Polestar Racing With New 2013 STCC Program [VIDEO]

The new program 2013 STCC of Volvo Polestar Racing has just been unveiled at a presentation for partners and employees at the Volvo headquarters in Gothenburg. For this motorsport season Polestar’s racing cars have been updated to the new 2014 Volvo S60.

To be more precise, five races in three different teams were selected: Volvo Polestar Racing with Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Björk, Volvo Polestar Performance with Robert Dahlgren and Linus Ohlsson and Volvo Polestar with Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte. Each team’s car has its own unique design done by Prince Carl Philip.

Other news that has leaked ahead of the motorsport season is that half of the race weekends is going to include the traditional STCC format with two races of 20 minutes each. However, four racers will remain and they will feature a single race of 40 minutes.

Furthermore, the qualifying has been also altered. Now it is similar to Formula One’s system. This means it includes three different sessions (Q1 to Q3) where the five fastest drivers gets to decide the grid for the race in the final session (Q3).

The beginning of the STCC season is on 4th of May at Knutstorp, Sweden. The track is very emblematic for Volvo, because the brand has achieved the most number of victories there. Afterwards the season will continue with seven races at tracks like Solvalla in Stockholm, home track Gothenburg City Arena and the season finale at Mantorp Park on the 21st of September.

httpv://youtu.be/9wiItD68TUg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Polestar

April 15, 2013

MG CS Urban SUV Concept To Be Unveiled In Shanghai

MG CS Urban SUV Concept is a stunning new vehicle that is going to be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. The new cutting-edge MG CS Concept aims to contribute to automotive world’s compact SUV sector, with its fashionable and technology cues.

The concept is an effect of the work of a top design team led by MG’s Global Design Director, Anthony Williams-Kenny. Its appearance mixes luxury and the sporting DNA of MG.

Some of the features of the MG CS include striking headlights which have a multi-faceted ‘shard’ structure. The latter refracts light in different colours and shape from the side, but at the same time merges to form brands trademark octagon from the front.

When looked from the side, the CS has extremely distinctive profile, exuding sportiness and youthful appearance. What can be said for sure is that this creative design contributes towards the charisma and overall style of the concept.

Source: MG

April 15, 2013

Lamborghini Pregunta – Price $2,100,000

Autodrome.fr is now offering a 1998 Lamborghini Pregunta one-off. The exotic car dealer has put a price tag of $2,100,000 (1.5 million EUR) for this unique sports car. The Pregunta was developed by French Carrosserie Heuliez with styling from Marc Deschamp’s studio.Back in 1998, Lamborghini has introduced the Pregunta at the Paris Motor Show. It is interesting that the styling reminds to the first Zonda a lot, which was exhibited at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show for the first time.The Pregunta is based on Lamborghini Diablo, but features AWD system. It is powered by a 5.7 liter V12 with 530HP (390 kW) and 580Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. No words about acceleration, but the top speed is whopping 333 km/h (207 mph) and a standing km discipline in less than 20 seconds.Some of the highlights include cameras, instead of rear view mirrors, internal fiber optic lightning, F1-type fully electronic instruments, four-point Schrott harness and Dassault stealth external paint.

April 12, 2013

BMW 5-Series F10 and F11 Exclusive Sport Edition for Japan

BMW has introduced a limited edition 5-Series F10 and F11 (Sedan and Touring) exclusively for Japan. The special edition series is called Exclusive Sport and will be limited to just 300 units.

The engine range includes a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol (523i) and 2.0 liter diesel – 523d. The 5-Series F10 and F11 come with more standard equipment which normally would be available at an additional cost. The upgrades include a set of 19” alloy wheels, three-spoke M steering wheel, contoured sports seats and an ///M aerodynamics package including aggressive front and rear bumpers and a pair of new side skirts. The exterior can be finished in white or carbon-black.

The interior boasts Cinnamon Brown leather covering the lower section of the dashboard, door panels and seats. There is also a premium audio system, a HUD and an “Exclusive Sport” plaque.

The BMW 5-Series Exclusive Sport starts from ¥7,490,000 ($75,200).

Source: BMW

April 12, 2013

McLaren Automotive Bespoke Pre-owned Car Programme

McLaren has its bespoke pre-owned car programme – McLaren Qualified. The new service makes entry to the McLaren ownership experience more accessible, with the added peace of mind that each and every vehicle has been checked by a McLaren trained technician, and brought up to date with the latest upgrades.

McLaren Qualified is the only programme which can guarantee that every car is fully updated with the latest upgrades. As part of the multipoint checks, every 12C sold receives the latest 2013-specification updates. This means each car is presented with the upgrade in power of 25HP, giving yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency, while the latest calibration optimises the SSG transmission to further enhance responsiveness.

Buying a McLaren through the Qualified programme allows owners the opportunity to further personalise their MP4-12C or MP4-12C Spider through preferential rates on the extensive range of bespoke options available through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The upgrades are available to every customer up to four weeks from handover.

“The management and tight control of pre-owned vehicles is key to maintaining the exclusivity, customer experience and overall residual values of each McLaren. This is something that is important to us and, more crucially, our customers. Through the McLaren Qualified programme, we are ensuring that the pre-owned McLaren ownership experience is a unique journey, that provides owners with the knowledge and confidence that every pre-owned 12C or 12C Spider is sold to McLaren standards.”, commented McLaren Automotive’s Sales and Marketing Director, Greg Levine.

Source: McLaren

McLaren has its bespoke pre-owned car programme – McLaren Qualified. The new service makes entry to the McLaren ownership experience more accessible, with the added peace of mind that each and every vehicle has been checked by a McLaren trained technician, and brought up to date with the latest upgrades.

McLaren Qualified is the only programme which can guarantee that every car is fully updated with the latest upgrades. As part of the multipoint checks, every 12C sold receives the latest 2013-specification updates. This means each car is presented with the upgrade in power of 25HP, giving yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency, while the latest calibration optimises the SSG transmission to further enhance responsiveness.

Buying a McLaren through the Qualified programme allows owners the opportunity to further personalise their 12C or 12C Spider through preferential rates on the extensive range of bespoke options available through McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The upgrades are available to every customer up to four weeks from handover.

“The management and tight control of pre-owned vehicles is key to maintaining the exclusivity, customer experience and overall residual values of each McLaren. This is something that is important to us and, more crucially, our customers. Through the McLaren Qualified programme, we are ensuring that the pre-owned McLaren ownership experience is a unique journey, that provides owners with the knowledge and confidence that every pre-owned 12C or 12C Spider is sold to McLaren standards.”, commented McLaren Automotive’s Sales and Marketing Director, Greg Levine.

April 12, 2013

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo – ESP Test [video]

Here is an interesting video by Autocar.co.uk. The new 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo has been put on test by Steve Sutcliffe, who wants to examine the car’s behavior with and without ESP in real life situations.

You will be amazed, how well the new Gallardo cope with extremely difficult situations. For example, the ESP manages to turn the car back in straight line after severe turn in order to avoid car accident with 112 km/h (70 mph).

The 2013 Gallardo is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 560HP (412 kW) at 8,000RPM and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to either 6-speed manual or 6-speed E-gear automatic gearbox.

0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h of 11.8 and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

The MSRP base price is $198,000 in the US and £147,330 (including NavTrak vehicle tracking system and delivery package) in the UK.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I86mQZJWabU

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

April 12, 2013

SR Auto Enhances BMW F10 M5

The latest project of the tuners at SR Auto Group includes an optimization of the BMW F10 M5. The latter hides under its hood a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine which can generate 560 PS (412 kW) and has 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque.

This powerful unit is matched perfectly with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. And all this contributes to an effortless acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds on the way to a Vmax of 305 km/h.

This is the first project of SR Auto Group where they equip a BMW with wheels form PUR Wheels. In this case they have added PUR Legacy multispoke straight edged designed wheel in Matte Anthracite Face with Gloss Lumiere Grey Lip, which fitted perfectly the M5.

Even more, the sizes of the wheels here are impressive – 21×9 inches for the front and 21×10.5 inches for the rear. In addition, they were paired with a set of H&R lowering springs in order to create the even more menacing stance.

Source: SR Auto Group

April 12, 2013

Ford Extends EcoBoost Line-Up With New Fuel-Efficient 1.5 Engine

Ford has just announced the introduction of the 1.5-liter EcoBoost Engine which will be added to the lineup of fuel-efficient, innovative powertrains. According to the company this unit is a key strategic entry because it aims to meet the global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

In addition, Ford aims to produces 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. For this reason, by the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines.

The fifth member of the EcoBoost family will begin being built at Ford’s facility at Craiova, Romania. The new engine will be first introduced in China through the Ford Mondeo, which is going to make its debut at Auto Shanghai 2013. Next, the engine is planned to be applied to the Fusion sedan in North America and afterwards in the new Mondeo in Europe.

EcoBoost technologies enable enhancements in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions up to 20 and 15 percent respectively. In the current case, the 1.5-liter engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been created to be more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance.

The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will feature innovations such as integrated exhaust manifold. And in addition, it is expected to deliver similar horsepower as its 1.6-liter sibling. However, it will be much more efficient in terms of emitting CO2.

What is more, this engine is the first one to include computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump. The result is that it will additionally enhance the efficiency through the reduction of the warm-up time. Additionally, a water-cooled charge air cooler is also being mounted in order to deliver more efficient feed of air into the engine.

Source: Ford

April 12, 2013

2014 Audi R8 Spyder V10 Goes Officially On Sale

2014 Audi R8 Spyder V10 offers unprecedented performance and has outstanding design which makes it stand at the pinnacle of Audi performance vehicles. The new R8 Spyder is in fact more dynamic and powerful than ever and is now officially on sale.

The optimizations included in this car are numerous. For example here is featured a new seven-speed S tronic transmission which contributes for the 0-60 km/h sprint to be reduced with 0.3 seconds. In addition, this transmission also substantially enhances the comfort through smoother gear shifts and greater efficiency.

Another instance is the new full-LED headlamp design, which gives the R8 distinctive appearance. But to go further into details, the engine which propels this Audi can generate 550 horsepower (404 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb.-ft.) of torque.

This means that the car effortlessly cover the acceleration time sprint form standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds on its way to the top speed of 196 mph. In addition, the overall weight of the R8 Spyder is circa 130 lbs less than the R8 V10. The reason for this are the new ceramic brakes, carbon fiber side blades, front splitter, rear diffuser, and spoiler; a smaller fuel tank; manual Alcantara® seats and reduced sound insulation in the engine bay.

In terms of interior, the model is adorned with beautiful diamond-stitch leather seats. As an option, an additional enhancement of the interior can be chosen and we are speaking here about the flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel.

And al last, if you are a fan of the Iron Man Movies, you will be happy to see the Audi R8 in the part three of the series. Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., will once again be back in the R8 as his car of choice.

2014 Audi R8 Pricing	R8 V8	R8 V10	R8 V10 Plus
Coupe	Manual $114,900	Manual $151,200	Manual $170,545
Coupe	S tronic $124,000	S tronic $160,300	S tronic $179,645
Spyder	Manual $128,400	Manual $164,700	NA
Spyder	S tronic $137,500	S tronic $173,800	NA

Source: Audi

April 12, 2013

Aston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen To Compete At Nurburgring

Aston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen Race Car is going to compete at the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring next month. This is the first hybrid hydrogen car created by the British brand, which is based on the Rapide S four-door, four-seat sports car.

This means that this hybrid is going to be not only the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international event but also the first zero CO2 emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The model was created with the help of the hydrogen experts at Alset Global. The specialists at both brands have developed a prototype twin turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine that will power the race car.

Furthermore, this Aston Martin vehicle is able to run on pure gasoline, pure gaseous hydrogen, or a blend of both. For instance, when in pure hydrogen mode the car delivers zero emissions while emitting only water from its exhaust.

In addition, this Hybrid Hydrogen system consists of a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and proprietary engine management system. The result is flexibility in the control of the combustion process: either pure hydrogen, gasoline or both can be chosen in order to generate maximum power, acceleration and CO2 reduction.

Safety was also considered a major component in this project. The system features four ultra-high strength carbon fibre tanks holding a total of 3.5 kg of hydrogen stored at a pressure of 350 bar. The two tanks are positioned next to the driver and two – in the boot of the car.

Showing a great capability of enhanced performance, the unit under the hood of the Aston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen has a top speed of 190 mph and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Source: Aston Martin

April 12, 2013

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car Edition – 408.84 km/h

Bugatti will introduce the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car Edition at the Shanghai Motor Show. The special edition hyper-car will be presented in order to celebrate that the Grand Sport Vitesse has officially become the fastest convertible in the world.

During the high-speed test, the Grand Sport Vitesse managed to hit a top speed of 408.84 km/h (254.04 mph) at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien proving grounds.

The Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by the famous 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine with 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. It sends all that torque to an AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds. ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds.

Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

The official fuel consumption is 23.1 l / 100 km on average cycle and the city cycle is around 37.2 l / 100 km.

The overall weight of the vehicle is 1990 kg and the fuel tank can take up to 100 litres of fuel or around 250 km range in city.

The suspension features three different settings: Standard, Handling and Top Speed.

The brake system includes 400 mm front discs with 8 piston calipers and 380 mm discs at the rear with 6 piston calipers.

Only eight Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car Edition will be produced – price €1,990,000.

Source: Bugatti

April 11, 2013

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