Automobiles Review – Page 759 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Audi A3 e-tron Delivers Efficiency And Innovation

2014 Audi A3 e-tron which will have a premiere in Geneva has an “electrified” drivetrain thanks to a plug-in hybrid technology. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

Further details are that the car has a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph), and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds. The five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km and has CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile).

When it operates in electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 km (31.07 miles). The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI that generates 110 kW (150 hp).

Moreover, a clutch links the TFSI to an electric motor with an output of 75 kW. The latter is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which sends the power to the front wheels. It is important to mention that both motors work in cooperation. The electric one deliver a peak torque that starts from around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI’s maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

Of course, this Audi model can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. In addition, the driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time (“boosting”). On the other hand when he or she lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily (“gliding”) thus motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency is enhanced.

Source: Audi

February 22, 2013

Launch Of The 1-litre Fuel Economy Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen XL1 is releasing the most fuel efficient production car in its range of vehicles, which manifests into reality the 0.9 litre combined fuel consumption vision. This remarkable efficiency is due to its plug-in hybrid system.

This two-seater Volkswagen can also cover a distance of up to 50 km in all-electric mode and therefore delivers zero local emissions. The model is rebirth of a concept study and includes pure sports car design attributes such as low weight (795 kg), perfect aerodynamics (Cd 0.189) and a low centre of gravity (1,153 mm high).

This gives the XL1 the ability to run on the road at a constant speed of 100 km/h utilizing just 6.2 kW (8.4 hp). And in all-electric mode the car spends less than 0.1 kWh in covering a distance of over one kilometer.

The main attributes of this model are: high-tech lightweight design, perfect aerodynamics and a plug-in hybrid system. The latter comprises of a two-cylinder TDI engine (35 kW / 48 hp), E-motor (20 kW / 27 PS), 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. The XL1 is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall.

They all contribute towards the CO2 emissions of just 21 g/km. The XL1 covers the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.7 seconds on its way to the top speed of 160 km/h. Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen’s 1-litre car strategy.

Source: Volkswagen

February 22, 2013

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD With Official Debut In Geneva

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD will be officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show on 5th of March. This historical model which made a revolution with its first appearance in 1982 is a compact hatchback with sporty tuning, and low diesel running costs.

Of course the 2014 GTD is based on the seventh generation Golf and consequently it combines performance with fuel-efficiency to make it a great long-distance touring car. The model is equipped with 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

It generates 184 hp (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque from 1,750 rpm, and it consumes just one gallon of fuel every 67.3 miles, making for CO2 emissions of only 109 g/km. There is an optional gearbox – a six-speed DSG one, which has fuel consumption of 60.1 mpg (three-door: 119 g/km CO2; five-door: 122 g/km CO2).

The acceleration time for the GTD is 7.5 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 62 100 km/h. Furthermore, the Golf GTD comes with smoked LED rear lights with LED licence plate illumination, along with chrome dual tailpipes, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres, side skirts, a rear diffuser, sports suspension and a large roof spoiler.

Other distinctive GTD features are included in the interior: tartan sports seats, a black rooflining, sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, GTD-specific gear lever, trim strips and instrument cluster. There are also some interesting technology features such as: progressive steering, white ambience lighting, ‘Climatronic’ climate control, front and rear parking sensors and a winter pack.

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is available in Germany at an entry-level price of 29 350 euros.

Source: Volkswagen

February 22, 2013

Brabus Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI

Brabus has presented their tuning package for the new Mercedes-Benz A200 CDI. The small diesel-powered Mercedes comes with both – styling and performance upgrades.

Brabus A200 CDI is powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder diesel with 165HP (121 kW). This is an increase of 29HP, but nothing is mentioned about the torque, which is 300Nm (221 lb-ft) in stock variant. The new power is thanks to an ECU re-map.

The exterior boasts a new set of twin 10-spoke alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a twin dual-exhaust tail-pipes. The rims are finished in the same color as the body.

Nothing is mentioned about the prices.

Source: Brabus

February 21, 2013

Gemballa GT Spider based on McLaran 12C Convertible

Gemballa has introduced their latest project based on McLaren 12C Spider. The name of the project is GT Spider and it will be officially revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The sports car comes with a complete carbon fiber body kit including a new front bumper, a pair of modified side skirts and a new rear bumper. The car sits on GForged-One ultra-light alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. The dimensions are 20” at the front and 21” at the rear, and they can be finished in Black Magic or Gunmetal paint.

The interior boasts leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as a new instruments in different colors.

No words about performance modifications for the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 625HP (460 kW). It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph).

The styling package starts at €47,166.

Source: Gemballa

February 21, 2013

FAB Design McLaren MP4-12C Chimera in Geneva

FAB Design will exhibit their tuned version of the high-performance McLaren MP4-12C in Geneva. It boasts fresh new design at the usual quality. There are styling and performance upgrades as well. The name of the project is Chimera and you can see, why?!

Outside, the Chimera is finished in aggressive orange paint. It features a complete styling package including dynamic front spoiler, a hood mounted wind splitter and 4-component side skirts made of visible carbon-fibre. The air intakes are also made from exposed carbon fiber. The last touches are a triple-flow exhaust pipe and a new rear apron. The price of the body styling kit is € 16,900 net, plus shipping costs.

FAB Design Chimer sits on FAB Evoline wheels 9.0J x 20“ and 10.5J x 21“ fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres – 235/35 R20 and 305/25 R21.

The interior boasts several orange carbon components, rative orange stitching, as well as many upholstery options available upon request. A set of new floor mats are also part of the package.

The twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine is boosted to 640HP (471 kW). It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph).

Source: FAB Design

February 21, 2013

Vilner Teases The Resurgence Of Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster [VIDEO]

It’s definitely becoming hotter but not because the winter time slowly passes away, but because the Bulgarian luxurious tuning specialists from Vilner have just released their latest teaser footage. And with it we aren’t to see an “ordinary” car that has just come out of the factory, but instead – a very classy collectible.

We are speaking here about the extraordinary Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster. The two-seater convertible was produced from 1992 until December 1994. More interesting however is the fact that only 350 units were planned for production, but eventually only 284 cars were made.

This makes the RZ the lowest production Alfa Romeo in automotive history. Now, the owner of this unique car is seeking help at Vilner’s studio. Despite that details weren’t revealed so far, it is rumored that the vehicle has received full treatment.

Still, ahead of its official reveal which we are expecting next week, we can enjoy this exclusive video:

httpv://youtu.be/2rVEsALBtFs

Video Source: YouTube

February 21, 2013

2013 Toyota Le Mans Hybrid Challenger Revealed

Toyota Racing has just revealed the revised TS030 Hybrid which carries the name 2013 Toyota Le Mans Hybrid Challenger. The latter will participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) this Motor-sport season.

The racing team has begun the first full test of the new 2013 TS030 Hybrid at Paul Ricard in southern France. Last year, the team achieved great success which includes three victories in just six races. The same hopes are expected for the new season and there is the ambition to win both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the WEC title.

Toyota Racing team will again use Toyota Hybrid System – to be more precise the Racing powertrain, which was created especially by company’s motorsport division in Higashifuji. To go even further into details, the unique super capacitor-based hybrid system generates 300 hp (224kW) of boost automatically, on top of the 530hp (395kW) generated by a 3.4-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol unit.

In addition, it was revealed that Toyota’s motorsport division has fine-tuned the new powertrain in order to improve power, efficiency, management of component usage and reliability. Furthermore, the race-winning TS030 Hybrid chassis has also been updated, thus delivering enhanced performance.

2013 Toyota Le Mans Hybrid Challenger includes also a revised aerodynamic package. In it is featured an updated monocoque, which will offer better performance and at the same time will reduce the weight of the car by circa 15 kg.

The complete WEC schedule is the following:

Silverstone, UK (14 April)
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (4 May)
Le Mans, France (22 June)
Sao Paulo, Brazil (1 September)
Austin, US (22 September)
Fuji, Japan (20 October)
Shanghai, China (10 November)
Bahrain (30 November)

Source: Toyota

February 21, 2013

Upcoming 2014 Range Rover To Be Offered With New Engine

2013 Range Rover was launched in the summer of 2012 and did a major success. Now Land Rover is opening orders for the new 2014 Range Rover, which will be available in showrooms this summer.

Furthermore the upcoming 2014 Range Rover will be offered with a new and more efficient 340 hp (250 kW) supercharged V6 engine. This unit of course delivers exceptional performance and refinement with enhanced fuel efficiency.

The supercharged V6 engine will be available alongside the 510 hp (375 kW) supercharged V8. Both units will be matched with an eight-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic transmission. Thanks to the new engine however, the new Range Rover will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.1 seconds.

The peak output of 340 hp is at 6,500rpm, producing maximum torque between 3,500 and 5,000rpm. In particular, the engine’s accessory drive is waterproofed, as are the alternator, air conditioning compressor, and starter motor.

What is more, the four-cam V6 shares include a lightweight die-cast aluminum block with cross-bolted main bearing caps. They offer more strength. The valves here are managed by a dual independent variable cam timing system (DIVCT). The latter is activated by the positive and negative torques produced by the movement of the intake and exhaust valves.

In addition, the fuel consumption is enhanced, thanks to Land Rover’s Intelligent Stop/Start. In fact, it reduces engine idling under certain conditions which saves fuel and decreases emissions. Another interesting technology featured here is the Spray-guided direct injection (SGDI).

SGDI offers precise quantities of fuel directly into the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 150 bar (2175 PSI). This creates more homogenous air-fuel mixture for cleaner and more efficient combustion. Additionally, a brand new Bosch engine management system manages all functions of the unit.

Source: Land Rover

February 21, 2013

McLaren P1 To Deliver The Staggering 903 Horsepower

It is official! McLaren P1 is going to deliver the staggering 903 horsepower! The model will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants: a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and a highly effective electric motor.

Both will offer a combined output of 903 hp (664 kW) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm (664 lb-ft), ensuring instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine.

Furthermore, the emissions here are rated to be less than 200g/km on the combined cycle and are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode. On the other hand the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer enhancement in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.

But to go into details, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine in P1 is a new version of the familiar M838T unit. This engine block has a unique casting in order to feature the electric motor.

Here, the petrol engine produces 727 hp (535 kW) at 7,500rpm, and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque from 4,000rpm, while the lightweight electric motor produces 76 bhp (130 kW) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft).

What is more, in this McLaren model is featured also a “boost” system called IPAS which provides up to 179 hp instantly. The instant response of the electric motor provides a sharper throttle response more associated with a normally aspirated engine, and the significantly enhanced air-charging system enables the McLaren P1 to have more top-end power.

The electric motor is mounted directly onto the engine. The power of both units is channeled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to drive the rear wheels. Another advantage here is that the e-motor can provide faster upshifts through the application of instant negative torque at the point of shift, making the engine revs drop as quickly and efficiently as possible to the required engine speed for the upshift.

What also has been revealed for the P1 is that it can be driven in a variety of modes, powered by the engine and electric motor together, or solely by the electric motor. Of course, the maximum power is delivered when both powerplants are utilized together together.

However, even in E-mode the performance is strong enough. E-mode is the most economical mode available with zero tailpipe emissions, in which the vehicle can travel more than 10 km with electric-only power. When the battery is empty, the petrol engine will automatically start to maintain drive and charge the battery.

Additional technology highlights featured in this new McLaren model are the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System)., which enhance the power available via the petrol engine and electric motor.

The first system is a technology similar to that employed on Formula 1 cars. Speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing and, where the MP4-28 has a moveable flap on the rear wing, the McLaren P1™ has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23%. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.

The other system – IPAS, is designed in order to offer power rapidly for high performance acceleration, and provides 179 hp of instant additional power. In addition, in this system the power delivery was prioritized over energy storage, through a groundbreaking, lightweight battery pack, which offers greater power density.

The latter has been achieved through high power cells, low pack weight and an innovative cooling system all working together. The battery weighs only 96kg, and is mounted onto the underbody of the high-strength Formula 1-grade carbon fibre MonoCage chassis. The battery can be charged via the engine or via a plug-in charger that can recharge it from empty in only two hours.

Additional details for the McLaren P1 will be released in the coming weeks before its official world debut in Geneva next month.

Source: McLaren

February 21, 2013

MINI Clubman Bond Street To Be Revealed In Geneva

MINI Clubman Bond Street is set to debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show being generously equipped and including exquisitely details. In addition at the Show, MINI will also welcome the arrival of MINI John Cooper Works Paceman, MINI Hyde Park.

The first thing that has to be mentioned about the Clubman Bond Street is that is tailor-made. Exclusive design and equipment features deliver the premium quality of the typical MINI-style. Its Midnight Black metallic paintwork matches perfectly the Cool Champagne contrast color for the roof, exterior mirror caps, lower sections of the C-pillars and bonnet stripes to offer dynamically flowing body lines and extended wheelbase.

In addition the interior color is also striking, and complements perfectly the exclusively designed sports seats and a leather-covered instrument panel. Additional details around the new MINI Clubman Bond Street will be revealed at its debbut.

Next to the new model, the visitors of Geneva Motor Show will also see the MINI Hyde Park available in either MINI or MINI Clubman form. It is now being offered in combination of Pepper White exterior paintwork and the new contrast color Cool Champagne.

The other star at MINI’s stand is the MINI Highgate Convertible, which is a four-seater soft-top vehicle that embodies an aura of exclusivity and undeniable individuality. What is more, there also will be the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

This one has an imposing figure with its powerfully formed front end, the elegantly sporty, stretched lines of the flanks, the coupé-style roof swooping downwards towards the rear, and a broad tail end.

The standard aerodynamic kit features lowered sports suspension and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design. And in addition what propels this model is the four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control that generates 208 hp (153 kW). The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic with Steptronic and steering wheel paddles is available as an option.

What is more the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is kitted out as standard with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The latter allows the power of the turbocharged engine to lay on extreme driving fun both on the road and over rough terrain.

Source: MINI

February 21, 2013

2013 TechArt Porsche Cayenne S Diesel

TechArt has announced a full tuning program for the new 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel. Efficiency meets extravagance. The SUV will be presented at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show in March.

TechArt Caynne S Diesel is finished in deep black metallic paint. It also boasts adapted black leather interior, light green applications and 23” TECHART Formula light alloy wheels in black with outer rim in light green. Other highlights include a carbon fiber ventilated hood, three-part front spoiler, LED or halogen twin headlights with high beam or fog lights, new front apron and side skirts as well as a custom roof spoiler, rear apron with integrated diffuser and two reflectors.

Premium types of leather, decorative stitching in individual colours and trims in exotic woods or carbon are just a few possible highlights to choose. The multifunctional sport steering wheel with paddle shifters looks very sporty and ergonomic. The TECHART Entertainment Kit W2 with two 7” displays located at the front seats, folding single rear sports seats and a centre console unit, equipped with 12-volt power supply, refrigerator and storage compartments can be ordered optionally.

The power is coming from a 4.2 liter V8 twin-turbo diesel boosted to 382HP (281 kW) and 850Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. The tuning specialists are working on a power boost module, which will raise the power with around 50HP.

Source: TechArt

February 20, 2013

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