Automobiles Review – Page 769 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

McLaren Shows P1 Prototype Driven by Jenson Button

McLaren P1, which heading towards production, made a brief appearance at the McLaren Technology Centre. And it was driven by 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button!

As a matter of fact, this formed part of the launch event for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 2013 Formula 1™ challenger, the MP4-28. In addition, Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez, who is the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes official driver came to the event in a stunning orange McLaren 12C Spider.

His team teammate followed him with the camouflaged McLaren P1. The latter debuted as a Concept study at last year’s Paris Motor Show which was held in September. Of course, it immediately provoked huge interest and a eager anticipation for its official release.

Since then, the development of the technology beneath the carbon fibre skin of the P1 hasn’t stpped. The model is currently a subject of testing and it is expected to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

Source: McLaren

February 1, 2013

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept With World Premiere in Geneva

Toyota is going to reveal its FT-86 Open Concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, but now it teases us with a sketch of what the car would look like. The brand is undoubtedly going to stoke the passions of driving enthusiasts when it unveils the convertible version of the popular 86 sportscar.

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept is in fact a possible future variant of the award-winning 86 and it has been made to gauge customer reaction for a convertible version of the famous model. Hence it will raise the question whether it is possible for the driving pleasure to be taken to another level.

Just as a reminder, the original FT-86 Concept debuted back in 2009 at Tokyo Motor Show and was designed to give the driver greater control with a compact design, light body and low centre of gravity. It promised power and environmental performance from its two-litre boxer engine.

The next car in the series was the FT-86G Sports Concept car and it was enhanced by GAZOO Racing. Thanks to the latter it got more aggressive styling and performance. Although it retained the front-engine, rear-drive layout it included a tuned turbocharged engine enhancement.

Third in the series comes the FT-86 II Concept that debuted in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. It had compact proportions featured a long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin.

Souce: Toyota

February 1, 2013

MTM Audi S6 Finally Released

MTM Audi S6 was announced as a project back in July 2012. Since then we were looking forward to this modification and wondering what exactly it would be like. Well, the time for waiting is over – the transformed Audi is already here!

MTM promises a boost of power at the touch of a button. The 420 hp (309 kW) from the Audi’s S6-C7 4.0 TFSI quattro engine weren’t enough for the specialist. Hence, they have added a power pack which when needed releases a tremendous thrust 555 horsepower (409 kW) and a torque of about 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) instead of the standard 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).

The key here however is that this boost happens only “when it is needed”. To achieve this MTM united the M-Cantronic with the V-Cantronic in one box and set up the control in the MMI practically at the touch of a button.

The result is that the speed is only available when one needs it- it is up to 290 km/h. In addition a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system complements the powerful ensemble. Furthermore, there are some visual accents added. MTM supplied the Audi S6 with MTM-bimoto set of wheels.

Behind them there is a braking system which is designed in order to deliver braking comfort just like in the series model, but such braking power which is adapted to the engine and driving performance.

Source: MTM

February 1, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Edition 507 – Staggering Naturally Aspirated Power

Mercedes-Benz has presented the super powerful C 63 AMG Edition 507. As you may suggest, the number in the name of the model is the amount of horsepower generated by the massive engine. This is the most powerful C 63 AMG, ever created by the manufacturer. It has 50HP more than the original and accelerates to 100 km/h with two tenths of a second faster.

The C 63 AMG Edition 507 is powered by the well-known 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 507HP (373 kW) at 6,800RPM and 610Nm (452 lb-ft) of torque at 5,200RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). Fuel consumption is 23.5 mpg on combined cycle. These figures are for the Coupe and Saloon models, you can check below the performance of the Estate.

“The C 63 AMG with the classic AMG 6.3-litre high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine is one of the most popular AMG high-performance cars in the world. With the new C 63 AMG “Edition 507″, we are offering our loyal customers an attractive model variant which boasts even higher performance and at the same time is visually exciting.”, commented Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The Edition 507 comes with a lot of exterior mods including C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series front bonnet, new AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels with tyres in sizes 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear), AMG sports stripes, spoiler lip on the boot lid, high-gloss black exterior mirror housings, radiator grille and daytime driving lights. Available as an optional extra exclusively for the C 63 AMG “Edition 507” is the designo Magno Platinum paint finish.

The decidedly sporty yet functional interior of the C 63 AMG is even more dynamic and exclusive in the case of the “Edition 507”. Three different equipment and appointment variants are available to choose from: Porcelain designo leather/DINAMICA, Black designo leather/DINAMICA and Black designo leather. In the case of the designo leather/DINAMICA upholstery, light-coloured contrasting topstitching makes for an attractive highlight. The AMG Performance steering wheel in Alcantara^® with light-coloured contrasting stitching has a 12-o’clock marking. The selector lever of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is finished in DINAMICA and features an AMG badge. The steering wheel and selector lever gaiter also have light-coloured contrasting stitching.

In the AMG instrument cluster, red applications serve to visually differentiate this variant from the other C 63 AMG models. The trim in high-gloss Black Piano Lacquer look and the “Edition 507” badge on the trim on the front passenger side round off the high-quality, exclusive interior.

C 63 AMG Edition 507 models:

	C 63 AMG “Edition 507” Coupé	C 63 AMG “Edition 507” Saloon	C 63 AMG “Edition 507” Estate
Displacement	6,208 cc	6,208 cc	6,208 cc
Power output	507 hp at 6,800 rpm	507 hp at 6,800 rpm	507 hp at 6,800 rpm
Max. torque	610 Nm at 5,200 rpm	610 Nm at 5,200 rpm	610 Nm at 5,200 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	23.5 mpg	23.5 mpg	23.1 mpg
CO₂ emissions	280 g/km	280 g/km	285 g/km
Acceleration 0-62 mph	4.2 s	4.2 s	4.3 s
Top speed	174 mph*	174 mph*	174 mph*

* electronically limited

Optional extras available from the AMG Performance Studio include:

AMG door sill panels, illuminated in white featuring LED technology
AMG floor mats
AMG rear axle locking differential
AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, with tyres in sizes 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear)
AMG Performance suspension
AMG Performance Media
AMG carbon-fibre/high gloss Black Piano Lacquer-look trim
extended appointments in designo Black leather comprising: upper part of dashboard, beltlines in the doors finished in designo Black leather

The C 63 AMG “Edition 507” will be celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, which will be opening its doors from 5 March 2013.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 1, 2013

2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK Limited Edition

Alfa Romeo has introduced the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK Limited Edition at the Paris Motor Show. Currently only 28 examples are destined for UK.

To mark the occasion, Alfa Romeo coordinated a thrilling, world first driving dare involving precision driver Paul Swift and British Superbike rider Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker. Four wheels met two at Silverstone circuit in a challenging manoeuvre with Chris on a Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja British Superbike ‘undertaking’ Paul in the Alfa MiTo SBK with the car up on two wheels. As Paul took the Alfa MiTo SBK around the sweeping Brooklands corner, Chris throttled in on the inside line, building up enough speed to get the bike over and, for a brief moment, go under the chassis of the Alfa MiTo SBK before speeding out the other side to safety.

The MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK Limited Edition comes with a two-tone exterior with 18” alloy wheels. It also features Brembo brakes and an Alfa Active Suspension with adjustable shock absorbers.

The interior has minor changes – Sabelt seats, Alcantara upholstery and an individually-numbered plaque.

Among the extras, you will find aluminum pedals, dual-zone climate control and the Blue&Me connectivity system.

The small car is powered by a 1.4 liter Multi-Air petrol with 170HP (125 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds and an average fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres / 100 km.

Only 28 MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK Editions will be offered in the United Kingdom. The pricing start from £21,595.

Source: Alfa Romeo

February 1, 2013

2013 Renault Kangoo Van

Renault has announced the new facelifted version of Kangoo Van. The 2013 model is offered with two wheelbase lengths, three versions of the popular 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (75HP, 90HP and 110HP) and a choice of two- or five-seat versions of the Kangoo Maxi. The five seat “Crew” version features a rear seat that can be tipped forward to accommodate particularly long loads.

The 2013 Kango boasts superb fuel-efficiency. The dCi 75 Stop&Start and dCi 90 Stop&Start engines boast NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres/100km or 65.7mpg (equivalent to 112g/km of CO2).

To help drivers reduce their fuel consumption further still, the latest-generation engines available for Kangoo come with a gear shift indicator as standard equipment, as well as an ECO mode that can achieve fuel savings of up to 10% by acting on engine torque, the gear shift indications and accelerator pedal mapping.

New Kangoo Van benefits from a connected multimedia system thanks to the introduction of R-Link (optional, or standard equipment for ‘Sport’ versions). This system incorporates the in-dash TomTom® LIVE navigation previously available for Phase 1 Kangoo, plus numerous new functions, such as advance warning of hazardous zones and the ability to download applications like the reading out of e-mails. The range of radios has evolved, too, with a choice of three solutions. All radios come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while the next level up is equipped with a CD player. The premium radio integrates with the Renault R-Link system.

Also available is new-generation ESC combined with Hill Start Assist, plus Grip for improved traction in difficult conditions. It goes without saying that New Kangoo Van continues to be available with the many innovations that have forged its reputation, including the sliding rear roof flap.

Source: Renault

February 1, 2013

2014 Audi A8 L TDI – US Price $82,500

Audi US has announced the pricing of the new 2014 A8 L TDI. The luxurious saloon offers stylish exterior, superb comfort, technology, performance and efficiency. All this comes at reasonable price of $82,500.

2014 Audi A8 L TDI has a 3.0 liter diesel with 240HP (179 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.4 seconds and an an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city / 36 mpg highway/ 28 mpg combined.

For the 2014 Audi A8 L TDI, the package options were optimized to better reflect customer demand. The available Premium Package now consists of Audi side assist and pre sense rear, 22-way multi-contour comfort seats, font seat ventilation with massage and full LED headlights.

The A8 L TDI joins an expanding model line-up including the A8 3.0T, A8 4.0T, S8 4.0T and A8 W12. The A8 L TDI will be available in the long-wheelbase version only.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD8WDoto-T0

Source: Audi

February 1, 2013

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar at the Chicago Auto Show

Chrysler has introduced the new 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar. The car will be shown at next week’s Chicago Auto Show. It will be produced in limited series of just 500 units.

“Our new Mopar ’13 Dart will turn heads and stand out from the crowd. For this special, limited- edition vehicle, we specifically kept the driver in mind as we added select Mopar parts and accessories.”, said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand.

2013 Dart Mopar is powered by a 1.4 liter Multi-air turbocharged petrol connected to a manual gearbox. A performance-tuned exhaust is also installed.

The exterior boasts gloss-black finish with a pair of car-length Mopar Blue stripes, which mirror each of the three previous Mopar- themed models. There is also a performance steering-gear calibration, a 7 mm lowered suspension with 18” wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 tires. Behind them, a premium brake kit with slotted rotors is installed. Other highlights include Mopar’s ground-effects kit – a front-chin spoiler, one-piece deck-lid spoiler, as well as a unique and aggressively styled rear diffuser.

The interior boasts a serialized plate, a custom Mopar Blue leather seat with black accents, Mopar Blue accent thread, as well as light- black chrome and gloss-black elements.The special-edition Mopar ’13 includes industry-first wireless charging for smartphones, a blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with an identically garnished shifter knob, a bright sport-pedal kit, premium Mopar carpet floor mats, door-sill guards and an 8.4” navigation screen.

Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

• Vehicle-information apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
• Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user- guide format and first to offer complete vehicle-information kits in Spanish
• Wi-Fi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
• Wireless charging: first to introduce in-vehicle wireless charging for portable devices
• Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to market with a new interactive vehicle tracking device that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on pre-set
• 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race
• Brand-specific customer care telephone lines: first to offer Sunday service hours for customers
• WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf

Source: Dodge

January 31, 2013

2013 Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 – Price £17,660

Volkswagen has introduced the Caddy Edition 30, which is created to celebrate 30 years and three generations of its compact van. The Caddy Edition 30 will be run in limited series of just 117 units.

The striking exterior follows the design cues of other sporty Volkswagen vans, such as the Transporter Sportline, and it is distinguished by a black roof and roof rails contrasting against Candy White paintwork, with body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, plus chrome grille detailing, 17” Budapest alloy wheels and Edition 30 logo on the door sills and exterior.

The standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, Climatic air conditioning, leather steering wheel, an upgraded RCD 310 radio/CD unit, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, tailgate with heated rear window and wash/wipe, height adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seats, plus front fog lights. The superior Timo upholstery is standard, while for even more luxury, models with DSG transmission feature alcantara leather upholstery.

The engine range includes three diesels from 75 to 125 kW and a petrol (TSI) version with 77 kW.

The Caddy Edition 30 is now available in Volkswagen Van Centre showrooms. The pricing starts from £17,660 (excluding VAT) for manual models, or £19,060 (excluding VAT) for the DSG versions.

Source: Volkswagen

January 31, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 [video]

HEICO Sportiv has published a new video presenting their tuned Volvo V40. The most modern camera technology is used to present the car. Pictures and the leading actor impress thereby equally by most brilliant quality and highest detail love.

“As a Volvo tuning specialist, the Volvo V40 offers us an excellent starting point,” commented HEICO SPORTIV General Manager, Holger Hedtke.

“It has an attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, and addresses a target group that places great emphasis on quality and individualism. We see it as our mission to hone the Volvo V40’s character.”, he added.

Several power enhancement programs are available. The product line goes under the name of e.motion®, which stands for “efficiency in motion”. A proprietary HEICO SPORTIV technology for high-efficiency power enhancement, it consists of a second, equivalent engine control unit that works in parallel with the original control unit, acting as an independent second “brain”. Following the D2, D3 and D4 diesel engines, HEICO SPORTIV now also offers tuning products for the T3 and T4 turbo direct-injection models. In concrete figures, this translates into 200HP (147 kW) power, 300 Nm torque and much improved acceleration and elasticity values.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThGaIg6w4fc

The newly developed sport brake kit also makes an active contribution to driving safety. The front-axle brake set consists of blue-lacquered 6-piston fixed calipers bearing the HEICO SPORTIV logo in white, 370 mm-diameter steel brake discs, special brake pads and flexible steel hoses.

The result: deceleration of over 10.35 m/s2 and, at 33.5 meters from 100 km/h, also a shorter stopping distance than that of the series produced vehicle.

Source: Heico

January 31, 2013

Petrolicious: Restless Maserati Merak SS [VIDEO]

Back in 1976 Maserati introduced the model Merak SS. It was created to fight the Ferrari 308 and Lamborghini Urraco, hence the vehicle had to be super-stylish, include great aerodynamics and offer stunning amount of power.

The aerodynamically enhanced vehicle generated a power of 217 hp (162 kW) and had a dry weight of 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). The production of the SS stopped in 1982. Driving such car must be very personal and intimate experience, allowing one to taste the swell of freedom and engaging their senses.

In other words, the Merak SS gives you restlessness – and such is the case with Maxx. In fact, below is a very intimate video, created by Petrolicious team, revealing the relationship between a man and his Maserati, a relationship which is taken to a higher level and does not leave one unimpressed!

httpv://vimeo.com/58416931

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Petrolicious

January 31, 2013

Honda Includes Siri Eyes Free Technology Into Select Vehicles

Honda will include Apple’s Siri Eyes Free Technology Into some of its most successful model ranges. Siri is the intelligent assistant that helps the occupants get things done just by asking, and it is going to be integrated in 2013 Honda Accord, Acura RDX and ILX models as an option.

In the technology will be added a Using Eyes Free mode, thanks to which Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and minimizes distractions even more by keeping the iOS device’s screen from lighting up.

With this step Honda is expecting to meet the connectivity and convenience needs of its customers in a responsible manner. For this reason, the brand has reengineered its software to seamlessly integrate Siri Eyes Free mode into its Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® via the onboard microphone and speakers.

Source: Honda

January 31, 2013

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