Automobiles Review – Page 767 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Ford Fiesta ST Global RallyCross Championship Race Car

The 2013 Ford Fiesta ST is a race car built for the street. Actually, the Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) fans will soon get an up-close view of the same car built exclusively for competition at the Chicago Auto Show.

The first Fiesta ST GRC cars will debut this season with Ken Block, Brian Deegan and two-time Global RallyCross champion Tanner Foust. Foust and Deegan will give performance car enthusiasts and media the first look at the OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC race car this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

“Global RallyCross has been a great series for us to demonstrate what Ford’s small performance cars can do,” commented Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.

“With great drivers and teams, and now a formal manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, Ford Racing’s commitment to Global RallyCross is quickly growing. We’re excited about the debut of the Fiesta ST GRC car this year, and it will be fantastic to see Ford’s global performance car compete in four countries around the world this season.”, he added.

To support development of the RallyCross Fiesta ST program, Ford Racing has formalized its manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, whose credentials include two consecutive GRC driver championships with Foust, and podium finishes at all six rounds in 2012. The team has helped Ford earn GRC manufacturer’s championships in 2011 and 2012.

Fiesta success in 2012 Global RallyCross Championship

1-2 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Marcus Gronholm and Foust
Sweep at Texas Motor Speedway with Gronholm, Foust and Deegan
Silver and bronze at X Games with Block and Deegan
Third-place podium finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Deegan
1-2 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Foust and Deegan
1-2 finish at SEMA in Las Vegas with Foust and Deegan
Foust clinched second-consecutive GRC Championship, followed by Deegan
Ford clinched second-consecutive GRC manufacturer’s championship with four first-place finishes and 12 podium appearances

Source: Ford

February 6, 2013

Honda to Reveal Two Concepts in Geneva

More news for the show in Geneva is coming! This time the main “actor” is Honda, which will introduce the Civic wagon concept model and the next generation NSX Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Next to those concepts at Honda’s stand is going to be the CR-V featuring the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine. But to go further into details, the Civic wagon concept delivers strong cues for the exterior design of the final mass produced version. It comes to add its forces to the famous Civic range.

Next, on the show will be the biggest star – the NSX Concept. Although we have already seen it at NAIAS a month ago, the model will make an official European debut. This concept gives glimpses of a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design.

As you can see, the exterior design stays true to the original concept styling. It delivers low and wide stance with the dynamic and alluring proportions that are highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details.

At last but not least, Honda CR-V equipped with the new Earth Dreams Technology 1.6i-DTEC diesel engine, will be available in two-wheel drive, with manual transmission, providing an exceptional balance of performance and economy. This unit is the lightest engine in its class and it helps the CR-V achieving an energetic performance, agile handling and low running costs for customers.

Source: Honda

February 6, 2013

Infinti Q50 Makes an European Debut

Infiniti Q50 has already made its official first appearance at this year’s North American International Auto Show. However, the European fans are still waiting to see it on the old continent’s market. They have to wait no longer since the sports saloon will be officially introduced at the Geneva Motor Show on 5th of March.

2014 Q50 for Europe includes the first fruit of the co-operation agreement with alliance partner Daimler AG. Additional technical details of this Infiniti model for Europe will be announced at the press conference.

But in general what we know so far is that the Infiniti Q50 is a world-class sports saloon with an engine line-up. Furthermore it also heralds a new design direction for the Infiniti range. This means nothing else but that the new design philosophy in the future is going to give a Q for saloons and coupes or QX badge for crossovers and SUVs.

Powerful and distinctive, the Q50 includes versatility of technology innovation: it is equipped with world’s first Direct Adaptive Steering technology. The other highlights about the model will be revealed at the show.

Source: Infiniti

February 6, 2013

2013 Subaru WRX Special Editions – US Price $28,795

Subaru of America, Inc. has presented 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. The 2013 WRX Special Edition starts from $28,795 and the powerful WRX STI is $34,795. This is an increase of $500 over the non-special edition series, but for these money you get quite a good value.

The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an “Orange and Black” custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange Pearl paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics.

The interior of WRX Special Edition boasts dark trim including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. Both vehicles also feature front fog lamps.

The WRX has a turbocharged petrol with 265HP (195 kW) and 330Nm (244 lb-ft) of torque, while the powerful WRX STI has 305HP. The power is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

The Special Edition series is limited to just 200 units of WRX and 100 units of WRX STI.

Source: Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc. has presented 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. The 2013 WRX Special Edition starts from $28,795 and the powerful WRX STI is $34,795. This is an increase of $500 over the non-special edition series, but for these money you get quite a good value.

The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an “Orange and Black” custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange Pearl paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics.

The interior of WRX Special Edition boasts dark trim including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. Both vehicles also feature front fog lamps.

The WRX has a turbocharged petrol with 265HP (195 kW) and 330Nm (244 lb-ft) of torque, while the powerful WRX STI has 305HP. The power is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

The Special Edition series is limited to just 200 units of WRX and 100 units of WRX STI.

February 6, 2013

Pininfarina at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with a Tribute to Sergio

Pininfarina will attend the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with a tribute to the man who headed the Company for 40 years and created cars which entered the legend, Life Senator Sergio Pininfarina.

He passed away in July 2012, but his work will be forever remembered. Sergio is universally recognized as the “Maestro” of Italian style. His creative genius made exceptional design solutions.

To celebrate his talent and his work, Pininfarina will present as a world premiere in Geneva a concept car, which renews the spirit of the extraordinary achievements born from Sergio Pininfarina’s pencil, translating it into a modern vision in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion.

The tribute is named after Mr. Pininfarina – Sergio. The Concept will be uveiled on March 5, 2013 at 1pm on the Pininfarina stand.

Source: Pininfarina

February 6, 2013

2013 Audi A4 B8 Facelift tuned by Rieger

Rieger has presented their tuning program for the new Audi A4 B8 Facelift. The tuning company offers a number of styling modifications.

The exterior boasts a complete body kit including a new front bumper, a pair of side skirt, modified rear bumper and sports exhaust system. Other highlights include MR Racing Stripes and a set of huge wheels fitted with low profile tires. The choice is between TOMASON TN9 – 8,5Jx20 ET 45 with 245/30 R20 and 8,5Jx20 ET 45 with 245/30 R20; and CORNICHE MONZA 9,0Jx20 ET 40 fitted with 245/30 R20.

Rieger also offers performance packages for both petrol and diesel engines: 1.8 TFSI; 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI. The diesel range, which can be boosted include 2.0 TDI, 2.7 TDI and 3.0TDI. The pricing for engine re-map is €890.

All parts fit perfectly to factory elements and are made form high-quality materials.

Source: Rieger

February 5, 2013

MS Design Ford Focus ST – Styling Upgrades

MS Design Ford Focus ST - Front Angle

MS Design will introduce their tuned Ford Focus ST Competition at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The tuning professionals give the ST only styling upgrades, because it’s power is just perfect.

The exterior boasts a new front spoiler, a pair of revised side skirts, a new rear diffuser and a tailgate spoiler. There is also a lowered sport-tuned suspension and a set of enormous 20” bi-color alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

Ford Focus ST is powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost with 250HP (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

To experience first live performance of the Ford Focus ST Competition is at the Geneva Motor Show in Hall 2 Booth 2141st.

Source: MS Design

February 5, 2013

BMW ///M Sport Limited Editions for Australia

BMW Australia has announced M Sport Limited Editions including: X5 xDrive 30d, 5-Series F10, BMW Z4, 1-Series Coupe, 1-Series Convertible, 3-Series Coupe and 3-Series Convertible. All models will be available until March 31 as part of the company’s “Festival of ///M”.

The X5 M Sport Limited Edition comes with ///M Package (exterior and interior), bi-xenon headlights and electric seats. There is also a tion Professional, automatic tailgate, rear view camera, voice control and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors.

The 5-Series and the Z4 are available with ///M Sport Package and the 1-Series and the 3-Series can be ordered with ///M Sport Plus Package. It includes M Sport suspension, aero kit, leather steering wheel, bespoke 18” alloys, blue leather-piped velour floor mats, chrome-plated “Edition” door sill finishers, anthracite roof liner and blue-stitched upholstery.

Pricing:

X5 xDrive 30d – $92,100

5 Series – from $77,900

Z4 – from $76,900

1 Series Coupe – $48,000

1 Series Convertible – $53,800

3 Series Coupe – $70,100

3 Series Convertible – $83,100

Source: BMW

February 5, 2013

Toyota GT 86 GT4 Race Car

GPRM has presented Toyota GT 86 GT4 Race Car, which will take part in a number of competitions. The Race Car meets all FIA regulations for 2014.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder boxer engine can be boosted from 360HP (268 kW) to 400HP (298 kW). The final output will be determined after the testing phase is completed. The power unit is developed by GPRM in collaboration with Nicholson McLaren Engines.

The GT 86 GT4 comes with modified front bumper, new hood with vents for additional cooling of the engine, extended front and rear wheel arches to make space for the big light wheels fitted with race tires. There is also a huge rear wing for additional downforce.

The interior is stripped, but it features sports seat and steering wheel as well as a safety roll cage.

Source: Toyota

February 5, 2013

Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R to Compete in 24 Hours of Le Mans [VIDEO]

Not one but two factory-supported Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R cars will compete in famous Le Mans Race in France in June, was just announced by Dodge.

The Viper finished one-two at the 24 Heures du Mans in GTS class competition three consecutive years from 1998 to 2000. And this means that racing is inherent in Viper’s genes. Historically the Viper GTS-R has enjoyed great success at Le Mans and now is expected to continue this tradition.

Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R represents a rebirth for the brand in road racing. The race car engages in an elevated level of technical sophistication to the track. For this reason SRT Motorsports teamed with Riley Technologies on the design-and-build process.

Furthermore, the drivers returning to the SRT Motorsports lineup for this year will be Tommy Kendall, Kuno Wittmer, Dominik Farnbacher and Jonathan Bomarito. Additional team announcements will be revealed at a later date.

httpv://youtu.be/bJjYBtLw3do

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Dodge

February 5, 2013

MINI John Cooper Works GP and Countryman With Updated Performance

The MIN John Cooper Works range will be extended for the customers in the United Kingdom with the addition of the updated performance-oriented models. The prominent feature here is the enhanced version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine.

The latter was optimized for the different models in the range. We are speaking about the JCW variants of the MINI Hatch, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible, MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster. The new unit has the same levels of output and torque as its predecessor – 211 hp (155 kW) output at 6,000 rpm and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque (280 Nm/ 207 lb-ft with overboost) between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm.

However, it will offer increased responsiveness, lower fuel consumption and cleaner emissions. The enhanced versions also include a wider utilization of MINIMALISM environmental technologies such Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start/Stop.

Furthermore, for the first time in the JCW range will be offered a new engine offers a six-speed manual transmission. Of course there is an optional automatic one with manual override on the gear selected or steering wheel paddles.

More importantly, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman which is brand’s newest performance model will include MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive and also gets launched in UK. It has advanced traction system and comes equipped with 1.6-litre 218 hp (160 kW) engine with peak torque of 280 Nm (207 lb-ft). The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function.

The interior of this John Cooper Works model includes sports seats, sports steering wheel, Piano Black interior detailing and an anthracite-coloured roof liner. MINI’s innovative Centre Rail storage and attachment system is part of standard specification.

What is more MINI John Cooper Works GP which brings about the highest level of performance, and will be included in the range that is going to be launched. The JCW GP road car utilizes race-developed technology and is the fastest production model that MINI has ever built. It will be limited to just 2000 examples worldwide.

It is packed with JCW motorsport features does not have a rear bench seat, hence the hot hatch boasts outstanding performance. The engine has been reworked to develop 218 hp(160 kW), pushing the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and on the way to a Vmax of 150 mph.

Other modifications include adjustable coilover suspension, a new sports brake system, a more aerodynamic body kit and unique alloy wheels with performance tyres. The exterior color is the exclusive metallic Thunder Grey, but has added accents with the vibrant red finish around the air scoop on the bonnet, door mirror caps and front air intakes. The interior of the model includes two Recaro sports seats with special GP stitching.

MINI John Cooper Works GP is priced at £28 790, while MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a starting price of £28 595.

MINI John Cooper Works models performance data:

MINI John Cooper Works models – key performance data Model	0-62mph/secs		Top speed/mph		Combined fuel economy/mpg		CO2/g/km
manual (auto)		manual (auto)		manual (auto)		manual(auto)
MINI JCW Hatch	6.5 (6.7)		148 (147)		42.8 (39.8)		153 (165)
MINI JCW Clubman	6.8 (7.0)		148 (147)		42.2 (39.2)		155 (167)
MINI JCW Convertible	6.9 (7.0)		146 (145)		41.5 (38.7)		157 (169)
MINI JCW Coupe	6.4 (6.6)		144 (148)		42.8 (39.8)		153 (165)
MINI JCW Roadster	6.5 (6.7)		147 (146)		41.5 (38.7)		157 (169)
MINI JCW Countryman	7.0 (7.0)		140 (139)		38.2 (35.8)		172 (184)
MINI JCW GP	6.3		150		39.8		165

Source: MINI

February 5, 2013

Kahn Land Rover Defender 110 Concept 23 Teased

Land Rover Defender is an emblematic vehicle which exudes power and stability. The new modification of it was released two years ago and is equipped with new 2.2-litre diesel engine.

The latter delivers 122 hp (90 kW) at 3500RPM and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) at 2000RPM matched to a GFT MT 82 6-speed gearbox. The Vmax of the Defender is 144 km/h (90 mph).

Now, no other than the tuning team at A. Kahn Design is going to transform this Land Rover into something we haven’t seen before. The designer has teased us with a sketch of the upcoming Kahn Land Rover Defender 110 Concept 23 and has promised to bring it to the real world very soon.

The concept study will mix elements of adventure and romanticism, and reinforce incredible strengths. It will be more aggressive, because the team will add wide track arch kit. This kit will comprise of lightweight extended wide wheel wings with integrated vents, embossed Kahn feature, side vents with mesh, bonnet vents with mesh, clear rear light lenses, clear side repeaters, clear front light lenses, crosshair headlights and Kahn prototype wing blades, Kahn prototype tailgate badge and the Kahn oval tailgate badge.

Of course the upcoming concept will also include Kahn 1948 Defender wheels in 8×16 size, finished in satin black. With their simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces promise to strengthen not only the powerful visual attributes of the vehicle, but also to make it a true winner on the road.

Kahn Land Rover Defender 110 Concept 23 is set to launched in July this year.

Source: A. Kahn Design

February 5, 2013

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