Automobiles Review – Page 753 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport

Mercedes-Benz Sport has just surprised the visitors of Geneva Motor Show with the revealing of the sport version of the A 180 model in polar silver with detachable body parts in Jupiter red. This demonstrates how an A-Class can be sportily upgraded using Genuine Accessories and as a result this Mercedes-Benz model has light-catching edges and taut surfaces that sportiness and reinforce the car’s confident appearance.

The designers of this A 180 have chosen this striking colour for the front apron spoiler lip, the roof spoiler and the rear apron trim in diffusor look. The sporty appearance is additionally underscored by a decorative sticker kit in chequered flag design with a colour gradient and fine lines. The final look is achieved by the addition of racing numbers and a tinted sun protection strip with Mercedes-Benz Sport lettering.

This model shown in Geneva comes to offer a sense of the personalization possibilities. Some of them include: decorative sticker kits and installation kits for a two-pipe rear silencer, sports suspension and brakes with perforated brake discs and red callipers on the front wheels.

In addition, to the exhibited unit is included a “Night” styling package, front and rear trim, the diamond radiator grille, illuminated door sills with the “Sport” logo, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and 18-inch (45.72 cm) two-tone light alloy wheels in black and high-sheen.

The design here is based on high quality criteria, while the development – on experience and observation of the basic vehicle and the original vehicle computer data. This delivers more reliability, durability and function of the parts included in the vehicle.

In addition, the aerodynamic parts have been tested in wind tunnels and test drives such as high-speed circuits. What is more, thanks to the intelligent “add-on principle” for detachable body parts, no existing parts have to be removed or exchanged.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport

W 176 accessories	Price in euro[1]	Item number	Availability
Exterior
Front apron spoiler lip	449.00	A176 880 0008	Immediate
Diamond radiator grille	565.25	A176 880 2083 9982	Immediate
Front trim, chrome-plated	169.00	A176 820 0090	Immediate
Decorative “Road” sticker kit in chequered flag design for bonnet, roof and sides	429.00	Upon request	Available from 2nd quarter of 2013
Decorative “Track” sticker kit with numbers (0-9) for bonnet and door as well as sun protection strip	199.00	Upon request	Available from 2nd quarter of 2013
“Night” styling package (black radiator grille and waistline trim strip)	339.00	A176 880 2383	Immediate
Exterior mirrors, black high-sheen	159.00	A212 810 0079	Immediate
Sport badge	25.00	A176 817 0420	Immediate
Roof spoiler	259.00	A176 793 0088	Immediate
Front trim, chrome-plated	119.00	A176 820 0190	Immediate
Rear silencer kit	499.00	Upon request	Available from 2nd quarter of 2013
Rear apron trim in diffusor look, no-pipe/two-pipe	359.00	A176 880 0208	Immediate
Chassis
Sports suspension kit	Upon request	Upon request	Upon request
Sports brake kit with perforated brake discs and red brake callipers on the front wheels	855.00	Upon request	Available from 3rd quarter of 2013
18-inch (45.72 cm) two-tone light alloy wheels, black high-sheen	309.00	A246 401 1602 7X23	Immediate
Interior
Illuminated stainless steel door sills, set of two	379.00	Upon request	Available from 3rd quarter of 2013
Leather sports steering wheel	279.00	A172 460 1603 9E38	Immediate
Velour floormats with logo, set of four	125.00	A246 680 3848 3D16	Immediate
Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel	52.00	A246 290 5401	Immediate

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 7, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar has presented the all-new F-type at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The soft-top performance car boasts unique styling and powerful engines.

It is already available to order in the US with price starting from $69,000 excluding 875 destination and charging fee. The manufacturer also offers an online configurator for those that want to start building their own F-Type.

The engine range includes F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V8 S. The first is a V6 3.0-liter engine with 340 HP (250 kW) and the seconds the same engine, but tuned to 380HP (279 kW). The V8S has 495HP (364 kW) and 625Nm (461 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h (186 mph).

The F-Type S sprints to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph). The less powerful engine does 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and tops 260 km/h (161 mph).

Source: Jaguar

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: 2014 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion

The new 2014 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is making a world premiere at this year Geneva Motor Show. This is one of the world’s most fuel-efficient family cars: a genuine five-seater, with all the Golf’s traditional attributes of comfort, safety and practicality, along with combined fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 85 g/km, makes it the perfect car.

The above mentioned numbers also signify that there is a 15 per cent improvement over the previous-generation Golf BlueMotion, which emitted 99 g/km. The new model is equipped with a 50-litre fuel tank and has 88.3 mpg fuel consumption. The theoretical range of this Volkswagen model is 970 miles.

The great fuel consumption figure is achieved through innovative lightweight design. This includes 26 kg less weight in the running gear and 37 kg less in the body, engine-related modifications and a collection of other measures such as super low rolling resistance tyres with higher air pressure, longer gear ratios – five-speed manual gearbox, the Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems that are standard in all new Golf’s, plus specific aerodynamic modifications.

Furthermore, the frontal area of the new Golf has been reduced by 0.03 m2 and aerodynamic drag by nearly 10 per cent. In terms of aerodynamics, the BlueMotion has lowered ride height, a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a masked front grille, partially closed air inlet screens, enhanced cooling system airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. The result is that the Golf BlueMotion is one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class.

More importantly, at the heart of the new Golf BlueMotion concept lies the 1.6-litre 110 PS TDI from the newly developed EA288 engine series. This unit develops 110 PS (80 kW) and has a maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) from just 1,500 rpm up to 2,750 rpm.

Pricing and exact specification of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion will be announced closer to launch.

Source: Volkswagen

March 6, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary

Aston Martin has brought a new Vanquish Centenary Edition at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The Vanquish Centenary will be run in limited series of just 100 units. The car celebrates the brand’s 100^th birthday and comes with a bespoke two-tone graduated paint scheme. There is black touch on the roof, which starts to slowly fade on the hood and in the end it matches the color of the entire car. There is also special badging made from solid silver.

The interior boasts premium Deep Soft black leather with silver thread embroidery. There is also an individually numbered plaques.

There is a special gift box for owners of Vanquish Centenary Edition.

The engine is the well-known naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 – 573HP (421 kW) at 6,750RPM and 620Nm (459 lb-ft) at 5,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph).

Source: Aston Martin

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Auris Touring Sports Black

Another debut at the Geneva Motor Show is making the Toyota Auris Touring Sport Black. It is showcased next to the concept RAV4 models. The Touring Sports Black is based on the Toyota Auris Touring Sports, bud amplifies different aspects its styling and capabilities.

Auris Touring Sports Black has a one-of-a-kind black and red colour theme inside and out, thus offering striking looks and desirable quality. The model is an attention-grabbing newcomer to the compact estate car market. It offers class-leading functionality and segment-unique option of full hybrid power.

First of all it has a modern Toyota design, and is designed with a load capacity of up to 1,658 litres. In addition, its CO2 emissions are of 85g/km, which sets standards for ease of utilization. The Touring Sports Black design study exudes dramatic appearance inside and out and demonstrates how an estate/wagon body style can be much more than simply functional.

To be more precise, the exterior design is further highlighted by the new Night Sky black metallic paint finish. It contrasts with red 19-inch alloy wheels, red inserts on the front and rear bumpers and an eye-catching red trim on the front grille.

To get more sporty appearance, the model is equipped with a twin chrome exhaust pipes and dark tinted rear LED lights. Piano black roof rails and privacy glass give additional premium quality. The same colour theme treatment is continued in the cabin where one can see a black leather and double red stitching feature on the steering wheel, door panels, dashboard, sports seats, gear shift lever and handbrake.

In addition, red is the feature colour for the instrument panel illumination and the finish on the air vents and cup holders. Inside the coupe there are also high quality carpeting and exclusive sports seats upholstered in black leather and perforated red Alcantara. At last, it is good to mention that Alcantara is also utilized to wrap the interior pillars and for the roof lining.

Source: Toyota

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: Range Rover Evoque With Black Design Pack

A centre stage on Land Rover’s Geneva Motor Show stand takes the absolutely astonishing Fuji White Range Rover Evoque equipped with the striking new Black Design Pack. Both coupé and 5-door models already deliver wide options for choice and personalisation options across three design themes: Pure, Prestige and Dynamic.

Now, the Black Design Pack emphasizes the confident stance of the Range Rover Evoque ‘Dynamic’, with a host of striking black exterior detailing. A good example is the 20-inch, 9-spoke forged wheels painted in gloss black.

The entire amount of exterior bright finishes has been removed in order to create the Black Design Pack. For instance, a dark exhaust finishers painted in Santorini Black are complemented by a gloss black rear bumper and inner and outer sump guard, which is carried through on the front.

In addition, there are also visible the darkened front headlights and fog lamps – they of course continue the black theme. On the other hand the rear lamps have been transformed to give a clear effect so that they do not visually appear permanently red. Santorini Black painted ‘RANGE ROVER’ lettering across both the bonnet and tailgate and a rear sport spoiler finish the look.

The same Black Design Pack made its debut earlier this year. We have seen it on the Evoque Special Edition model, which is currently still on sale and available in both coupé and 5-door body styles. In this case, the customers have the choice of two exterior colour schemes: Sicilian Yellow exterior body finish with a Santorini Black contrast roof, and a Santorini Black exterior body finish with a Sicilian Yellow contrast roof and door mirrors.

The model also includes one-of-a-kind interior finishes complemented by yellow contrast stitching on seats, central storage area, door trims and fascia mid-section, plus an anodised yellow horizontal finisher.

More importantly, the Range Rover Evoque is powered by a choice of four Engines: the 2.2 litre diesel engine, in both TD4 150PS and SD4 190PS guise, mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive; the two-wheel drive eD4, powered by the 150PS TD4 version of the engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox; and the lightweight 240PS Si4 petrol engine matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Source: Land Rover

March 6, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Gumpert Apollo S

Gumpert has introduced Apollo S at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The manufacturer has a lot of issues, but now everything is alright and this is their latest creation.

The Apollo S is powered by a twin-turbo 4.2 liter V8 engine with 750HP (552 kW) at 6,000RPM and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) at 4,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 322 km/h (200 mph). The more difficult 0-200 km/h is covered in just 8.8 seconds.

Gumpert offers three gearbox variants: a 6-speed fully-synchronized, a sequential with manual gear shift lever and an automatic electronic gear system with paddle shift.

Some of the highlights are chromium-molybdenum steel tube frame and a carbon/Kevlar monocoque with a carbon body shell and carbon/aluminum underbody. All this means superb strength and body rigidity and low weight.

The car rolls 19” or 20” alloy wheels with central locking and fitted with ultra-performance tires. Behind the wheels, there are 6-piston calipers front/ rear with 378mm ventilated discs.

There is a removable steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, carbon fiber rear wing, double wishbone suspension for both axles, front anti roll bar, adjustable ground clearance and a high-performance ABS system.

In pure “Gumpert spirit”, the Apollo S is built with one and only purpose – PURE PERFORMANCE!

Source: Gumpert

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: European Debut For 2014 Lexus IS 300h

2014 Lexus IS 300h makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The model is equipped with 2.5-litre full hybrid powertrain posting CO2 emissions from 99g/km and has a rear-wheel drive.

As a matter of fact, the key sub-100g/km CO2 figure is achieved by the IS 300h SE model, fitted with 16-inch wheels. IS 300h’s powertrain delivers a total output of 220 hp (164kW) and gives the new Lexus a dynamic drive with quick and smooth acceleration.

The hybrid system included in this Lexus model features a 141 hp (105kW) electric motor and a newly developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine. The latter generates a maximum 178 hp (133kW) and in addition it benefits from a new D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing and a high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation system.

In addition, rear wheels of the IS 300h are driven through the hybrid powertrain’s E-CVT transmission. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is measured at just 8.3 seconds on the way to a Vmax of 125 mph.

Furthermore, the driver can select the style of driving through different modes: EV all-electric running, with the petrol engine switched off; Eco, for optimum fuel efficiency; Normal, and Sport, for sharper throttle response and a sportier steering setting.

In the new IS range is included the F Sport model as well, which comes with sports-tuned suspension and electric power steering. It is also distinguished by a dedicated exterior and interior design features.

2014 Lexus IS 300h Details:

IS 300h engine specifications (figures based on pre-production model)
Engine type	2AR-FSE
Cylinders and arrangement	4 cylinders, in-line
Valve mechanism	16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i
Bore x stroke (mm)	90.0 x 98.0
Displacement (cm³)	2,494
Compression ratio	13.0:1
Fuel injection system	EFI, D-4S with direct and port injection
Emission certification**	EURO 5+ (WVTA countries and ECO grade in non-WVTA countries) Euro 5 (other grades in non-WVTA countries)
Fuel type	Petrol
Combined max output (petrol electric) kW	164
Max power (petrol only) kW/rpm (electric only) kW	133 / 6,000 105
Max torque (petrol only) Nm/rpm (electric only) Nm	221 / 4,200-5,400 300

Source: Lexus

March 6, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: Audi A3 Sportback g-Tron

Audi is currently exhibiting the new A3 Sportback g-Tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The ultra-efficient hatchback boasts incredibly low fuel consumption and awesome range.

The A3 Sportback g-Tron has two gas tanks which can carry up to 7 kg (15.3 lbs) of compressed natural gas (CNG) at a maximum pressure of 200 bar. Despite the huge pressure, the car is perfectly safe, because the tanks are manufactured from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). What is more, they weight only 27 kg (59.5 lbs) – each, when they are full.

The engine is a 1.4 liter TFSI with 110HP (81 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph). Although the performance is not great, the car consumes 3.5 kg / 100 km and provides a range of around 400 km (242 miles) on CNG and another 900 km (559 miles) on gasoline. This means an impressive range of 1,300 km.

Source: Audi

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Unveils RAV4 Premium Concept And RAV4 Adventure

At the Geneva Motor Show Toyota is revealing two new concept vehicles based on the stylish RAV4 model. Both of them were created to reinforce different aspects of the styling and capabilities of the latest RAV4.

The fist one is called RAV4 Premium and it comes to underline the compact SUV’s high quality while the second one – the RAV4 Adventure, builds on the vehicle’s rugged off-road character. RAV4 Premium brings about more sophistication.

Its bodywork and bumpers are finished in Deep Bronze. This enhances the sense of harmony in the design. In addition, at the front, there is a central grille with horizontal lines and air intakes, while the LED lights are further accentuated by a stylish chrome-finished spoiler.

On the other hand, at the rear one can see a redesigned bumper which now comes with chrome inserts, brushed aluminium skid plates and an integrated tailpipe design. The Premium Concept runs on 20-inch alloys that are matched to the aluminium roof rails.

The interior of the model exudes nothing but luxury, thanks to the premium leather upholstery. New black piping and a V-shaped outline reinforce the design of the seats, and the use of two-tone double stitching in several areas expresses both robustness and quality. Grey and black leather wrapping can be seen on the instrument and door panels.

Secondly, the RAV4 Adventure brings about more enhanced off-road capabilities. First thing that grabs the attention is the striking dark red paint that evokes the strong, athletic qualities of the fourth-generation RAV4’s exterior.

The aggressive presence of the morel is further enhanced via the addition of extended wheel arches that accommodate larger 20-inch alloy wheels. Here, the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and finished with matt paint.

The front bumper is integrated with a new under-run while the rear includes fully integrated twin exhaust pipes and a reworked skid plate. At last, what has to be mentioned are the included here machined roof rails and dark-tinted privacy glass.

Source: Toyota

March 6, 2013

2013 Geneva Motor Show: BMW 335i Gran Turismo

BMW has officially unveiled the new 3-Series GT (Gran Turismo) at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle combines practicality and performance with its super-powerful, economical engines and superb load space.

The 3-Series GT is 200 mm longer, 81 mm taller and the wheel base is extended by 110 mm compared to 3-Series Touring. This means an additional 70 mm of rear seat legroom as well as 1600 liters (56.5 cubic feet) of luggage capacity when the rear seats are folded down.

The engine range includes a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 143 HP (105 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque; a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel with 184 HP (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft); 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 184 HP (135 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft); a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 245 HP (180 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and a mighty 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six cylinder with 306 HP (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

In addition to its enviable practicality and sporting dynamics, the outstanding fuel economy of the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo also serves the cause of driving pleasure. The key here is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose influence can be seen in virtually every area of the new model. Building on the good work of the ultra-frugal petrol and diesel engines, the intelligent lightweight construction concept of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and its optimised aerodynamics (including Air Curtains, Air Breathers and the active rear spoiler) do their bit to maximise efficiency and dynamics.

And other measures, such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary components join the campaign to ensure the powerful BMW 3 Series Gran Turismoboasts impressively low fuel consumption and emissions. The economy drive doesn’t stop there, either; the car still has the potential to cut fuel use by as much as another 20 per cent using ECO PRO mode and the new ECO PRO Route function.

Source: BMW

March 6, 2013

Geneva Motor Show: Premiere For Audi RS 5 DTM

At the Geneva Motor Show was just presented the racecar for the DTM 2013 – the exceptional Audi RS 5 DTM. Model’s technical specifications are matching all of the regulations demanded.

Although the car’s specifications for the 2012 season were perfect, there were also made some additional development, butt only in limited form. Over the winter, the Audi Sport DTM team put its attention on identifying if any of the 4,000 components in the racecar from the 2012 season offered any potential for optimization.

The name of the model is also new. This Audi motorsport car also establishes a direct reference in the DTM to the company’s successful production models. In addition the abbreviation ‘RS’ stands for the sportiest Audi models. In fact, the performance data of the current RS 5 and RS 5 DTM are very similar, hence the Audi RS 5 DTM was born.

To go further into detail, eight examples of th RS 5 DTM will take part in the grid for the 2013 DTM. They are fielded by the three proven Audi Sport squads Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. The drivers have been also selected. Among them is one newcomer – Jamie Green from Great Britain, who will join DTM Champion Mattias Ekström (Sweden) at Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline.

The most successful driver combination in the entire DTM 2013 field were Ekström and Green, who achieved 25 race wins and two championship titles. Additionally, nine DTM race wins are attributed to the other Audi driver teams which have remained almost identical since the 2012 season: the double DTM Champion Timo Scheider (Germany) and Adrien Tambay (France) compete for Audi Sport Team Abt, Miguel Molina (Spain) and Mike Rockenfeller (Germany) for Audi Sport Team Phoenix, Filipe Albuquerque (Portugal) and Edoardo Mortara (Italy/France) for Audi Sport Team Rosberg.

On 5th of May is when the new DTM season starts, and here are already known ten events, six of which are in Germany. The other will be held in Austria, Great Britain and the Netherlands and in Moscow. Audi RS 5 DTM will appear officially in public for the first time at the DTM test between 19th and 26th of April 26 and 29 in Barcelona and from 9th to 12th of April in Hockenheim, where a grandstand is open for spectators on the first day.

Source: Audi

March 6, 2013

Blog