Automobiles Review – Page 770 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Mansory Porsche Panamera Updated by SR Auto

Could a Mansory Porsche Panamera look even better? The answer is “Yes”, but only if it has the magical touch of the SR Auto Group tuning team. They have added a little color to this white beauty and brought it back to life.

In fact, this particular model was the first Mansory Panamera in Vancouver, Canada, and this means that it carries a very special history. To be more precise, the Mansory tuning included here consist mainly of exterior enhancements.

The famous Porshce model got new Mansory Front Bumper, Mansory Front Fenders, Mansory Rear Fender Arches and Mansory Rear Bumper thus becoming more aggressive on the road. To add more spice to the already enhanced Panamera, SR Auto team has equipped it with new set of wheels.

Twenty two inch PUR 4OUR Depth’s have been paired with the vehicle and they are in one of PUR’s most glamorous finishes – Davinci Red. This vibrant color brings a whole new life and meaning to the visual appearance of the car. Complimenting the brake calipers and tail lights, the wheels tie together the black, red, and white theme.

Source: SR Auto Group

January 31, 2013

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Price €40,430

Mercedes-Benz has published the price list for the all-new 2013 E-Class. Both – Saloon and Estate version are available with a wide range of engines, equipment and limitless individual options.

The engine range includes four four-cylinder diesels – E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI, E250 CDI and E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which is currently the most economical luxury-class saloon, which in addition to the four-cylinder diesel engine also has a 20 kW (27HP) electric motor. The six-cylinder diesels are E 300 BlueTEC and E 350 BlueTEC, which are revised and fitted with environmentally friendly and efficient BlueTEC technology.

The petrol choice is between – E 200, E 250, E 300, E 400, E 500 and the high-performance E 63 AMG. All are engines are fitted with the ECO start/stop system and combine high performance with exemplary economy. The power output levels range from 184HP (135 kW) to 585HP (430 kW) for the petrol engines, and from 136HP (199 kW) to 252HP (185 kW) for the diesels.

The price starts at €40,430 (including VAT) for 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI and goes up to €121,023 for E 63 AMG 4Matic S Estate.

As standard, both the Saloon and Estate models are fitted with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist systems. It helps to significantly reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. Also forming part of the standard equipment is an enhanced ATTENTION ASSIST, which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a wider speed range.

In addition, also optionally available are a number of assistance systems which are either new or now feature significantly extended functions. These include:

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can help to take the burden off the driver when it comes to keeping the vehicle in its lane and also track traffic in tailbacks semi-automatically
for the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Junction Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly
the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the main-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams’ cone of light

As ever, there are attractive design packages to visually enhance both the interior and exterior. Furthermore, the new E-Class offers a variety of individualisation options. Irrespective of the chosen equipment line, all appointment options remain available. As such each vehicle can be individually tailored to ensure that it is unlike any other. For example, a Saloon or Estate can be totally classic on the outside, but display a highly modern character on the inside.

Pricing:

	Saloon	Estate
E 200 CDI	€40,430.25	€43,643.25
E 220 CDI	€43,286.25	€46,499.25
E 220 CDI Edition	€43,286.25	–
E 250 CDI	€46,320.75	€49,533.75
E 250 CDI 4MATIC	€51,556.75	€54,769.75
E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID	€52,449.25	€55,662.25
E 300 BlueTEC	€51,973.25	€55,186.25
E 350 BlueTEC	€54,710.25	€57,923.25
E 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€57,447.25	60,660.25
E 200	€41,917.75	€45,130.75
E 250	€46,975.25	€50,188.25
E 300	€51,229.50	€54,442.50
E 300 4MATIC	€53,966.50	€57,179.50
E 400	€56,019.25	€59,232.25
E 400 4MATIC	€58,756.25	€61,969.25
E 500	€70,656.25	€73,274.25
E 500 4MATIC	€73,393.25	€76,011.25
E 63 AMG	€103,054	–
E 63 AMG 4MATIC	€106,981	€109,599
E 63 AMG 4MATIC S	€118,405	€121,023

Prices apply to Germany and include 19% VAT

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 31, 2013

KIA to Debut Cross GT Concept in Chicago [TEASER]

With 2013 Chicago Auto Show being just around the corner, more and more companies are giving a glimpse of their new vehicles. No exception makes KIA, which has just revealed a teaser image of their new concept vehicle.

It carries the name KIA Cross GT Concept and at a first glance it shows a very powerful stance. The car is said to be inspired by nature but driven by technology and it gives a clue of what the future of Kia’s design language in the form of a premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) will be.

Unfortunately, no additional details were disclosed so we are eagerly waiting till 9th of February when we will see more of this exciting new concept.

Source: KIA

January 31, 2013

BMW Z8 Roadster – Price €113,361

Always wanted to be “James Bond”? Here is your chance! Just get a nice suit, expensive watch and this awesome BMW Z8. Same car is used by Pierce Brosnan in the movie “The world is not enough”.The Z8 Roadster is powered by the famous S62B49 – naturally aspirated high-revving V8 with 400HP (300 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine is used in the E39 M5, but here it powers a roadster. The engine was located behind the front axle in order to provide the car with 50/50 weight distribution. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.This particular unit has 17,700 km on the clock. It is priced at 113,361, which is a lot more than it cost as brand new. Still, it is in mint condition and comes with a set of enormous 20” original Alpina Wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires . Equipment includes Full leather red and black, Air conditioning, floor mats, electric seat adjustment, hardtop including hardtop stand, cover, wind deflector, alarm, xenon lights, original board folder, the original operating instruction book, original tool kit, electric steering column longitudinal adjustment and many more.The car is for absolute collectors, but it also can be driven on the public roads.

January 31, 2013

Wheelsandmore Ferrari FF

Wheelsandmore has presented a number of upgrades for the AWD Ferrari – the FF. The tuning program includes styling and performance mods.

There is a set of new 6-Sporz ultra-light forged wheels -9.5J x 21” and 12J x 22” (front and rear) fitted with Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. Other upgrade is a complete stainless steel exhaust system featuring remote-operable valve flaps.

Stage 1 performance kit includes a remapped ECU – 684HP (503 kW) and 705Nm (520 lb-ft) of torque. The price is €3,782.

Stage 2 increases the output to 700HP (515 kW) and 715Nm (527 lb-ft) of torque thanks to the new exhaust system. The price is €9,244.

Wheelsandmore is also working on a new coilover suspension, which can lower the car with 25mm.

Source: Wheelsandmore

January 31, 2013

2013 Audi A3 Cabriolet Final Edition

Audi has announced details and price list of the A3 Cabriolet Final Edition. The soft-top car is now even more attractive with more equipment and better value for money. The pricing ranges from £23,775 to £30,615 as for the £23,775 you will get a 1.2 TFSI Sport Final Edition.

Engine range includes: the 1.2 TFSI with 105HP, the 1.8 TFSI with 160HP and the 2.0 TFSI with 200HP – or two turbo charged direct injection diesels – the 1.6 TDI with 105HP and the 2.0 TDI with 140HP.

The A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition takes the already comprehensively equipped Sport model and replaces its cloth upholstery with supple Vienna leather. It also adds front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlight and wiper activation, cruise control and a Bluetooth mobile phone interface. These comfort and convenience features are in addition to existing Sport trimmings such as 17” alloy wheels, sports suspension, dual-zone climate control, a Concert CD audio system with auxiliary iPod/MP3 socket and a fast-acting fully automatic acoustic hood.

S–line Final Edition models offer even more luxury to complement their even more sporting stance. They replace the original 18” S line alloy wheel with a new five-segment spoke design, add full Vienna leather upholstery in place of the original fabric and leather combination and boost the list of S line safety and entertainment features to include xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps, DVD-based satellite-navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and a BOSE sound system.

The premium for the new A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition model is £2,340 over the standard A3 Cabriolet, which also continues in this final production run. Compared with the cost of specifying its additional equipment individually, this premium represents a saving of £1,605. The step up to the S line Final Edition from the Sport Final Edition costs an additional £2,435, effectively saving £3,640 compared with choosing its additional equipment separately.

Check out the price list, below!

Price list:

A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£23,775 OTR
1.8 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£26,685 OTR
2.0 TFSI Sport Final Edition	£28,180 OTR
1.6 TDI Sport Final Edition	£25,225 OTR
2.0 TDI Sport Final Edition	£27,030 OTR

A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition Pricing
1.2 TFSI S line Final Edition	£26,210 OTR
1.8 TFSI S line Final Edition	£29,120 OTR
2.0 TFSI S line Final Edition	£30,615 OTR
1.6 TDI S line Final Edition	£27,660 OTR
2.0 TDI S line Final Edition	£29,465 OTR

A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition – additional equipment over A3 Cabriolet Sport

Vienna leather upholstery
Front seat heating
Acoustic rear parking sensors
Light and rain sensors
Cruise control
Bluetooth mobile phone interface

A3 Cabriolet S line Final Edition – additional equipment over A3 Cabriolet Sport Final Edition

18-inch 5-segment-spoke alloy wheels
(new design replacing original 18-inch S line equivalent)
Xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights
DVD-based satellite navigation
Audi Music Interface
BOSE sound system

Source: Audi

January 30, 2013

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – US Price $146,000

Porsche has presented the Cayenne Turbo S at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. The mighty SUV is expected to hit the market this spring with pricing starting from $146,000. You will may think that is too much, but the new Cayenne Turbo S offers unmatched performance and luxury.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is powered by the well-known 4.8 liter bi-turbo V8 with 550HP (404 kW) at 6,000RPM and 747Nm (553 lb-ft) at just 2,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 283 km/h (176 mph). The engine is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Gear changes are rapid and virtually unnoticeable, resulting in uninterrupted thrust in all situations. Continuous power to the wheels without interruptions or hesitation also benefits traction at each wheel, enabling aggressive driving even in full automatic mode.

The standard auto Start/Stop function demonstrates that efficiency is a priority at Porsche, even in vehicles with extreme performance like the Cayenne Turbo S.

Other features for maximum dynamic performance include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Sport Chrono package as standard.

The new Cayenne Turbo S comes with the Sport Chrono Package as standard. Exterior features and equipment clearly identify the Cayenne Turbo S as the flagship Cayenne. Many exterior features such as the air intake grilles, headlight housings and mirror components are finished in high-gloss black. Exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S are standard 21” 911 Turbo II wheels painted gloss black on the inside and featuring the Porsche crestin full color.

Porsche designers also crafted two-tone leather interiors in new colors and combinations specifically for the new Cayenne Turbo S. Available combinations include black/carrera red and black/luxor beige. Enhancing the new leather interiors, and exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S, are decorative stitching in contrasting colors (also carrera red and luxor beige).

Upon request, the Cayenne Turbo S may be further customized with items like the Carbon Handles interior trim package or a carbon multifunction steering wheel.

Source: Porsche

January 30, 2013

Citroen Berlingo Electrique – 100% Electric Van

Citroen has announced the all-new Berlingo Electrique van. It will makes its official debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show (NEC, 9-11 April).

Citroen’s CV Show stand will also be the launch platform for a number of other new LCV products, including the new Dispatch L1H1 HDi 125 6-seat Crew Van and Stop & Start equipped Relay vans. In addition, Citroen will be continuing its “Citroen Vans – Business Class” theme, with Citroën Contract Motoring personnel providing instant contract hire and other business-friendly finance quotations to the show’s visitors.

The new, well equipped Berlingo Electrique incorporates the latest electric vehicle technology. The electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the vehicle’s load deck. This means the load compartment of up to 3.7m³and payload of 636kg is equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van.

With a total battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Berlingo Electrique has a range of up to 106 miles. Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 8 ½ hours or, alternatively, it can be charged to 80% of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode.

The Berlingo Electrique’s permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 49kW (67hp) and has a peak torque rating of 200Nm. The motor drives the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox.

Full UK specs and pricing will be announced closer to the CV Show, but among the Berlingo Electrique’s many features are:

Eco-driving information, including an energy consumption/regeneration indicator, an instantaneous energy consumption gauge and an auxiliaries consumption gauge, which displays data on heating, air conditioning and other secondary power usage
A deceleration and braking energy recovery system
An electric heating system with an eco-mode to limit energy consumption
Hill start assist coupled to the ESP system

Source: Citroen

January 30, 2013

Some Winter Action with Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Porsche 911 and Jaguar XKR-S

Here is a nice video published by Autocar. It features several supercars having some fun in the snow. Among them you will see – Audi R8 5.2 FSI S-Tronic, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, Audi R8 4.2 FSI S-Tronic and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

The R8 5.2 FSI has a 5.2 liter V10 with 542HP (399 kW) at 8,000RPM and 537Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 317km/h (197 mph). Curb weight – 1,595 kg. The price is £127,575.

The Continental GT Speed is powered by a 6.0 liter bi-turbo W12 with 616HP (453 kW) at 6,000RPM and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,700RPM. The engine is coupled with 8-speed automatic sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). Curb weight – 2,320 kg. The price is £151,000.

The XKR-S Convertible has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 542HP (399 kW) at 6,500RPM and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque at 2,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending power to RWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Curb weight – 1,795kg. The price is £103,430.

Next is the R8 4.2 FSI S-Tronic having naturally aspirated V8 delivering 424HP (312 kW) at 7,900RPM and 428Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500RPM. The gearbox is 7-speed sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 302 km/h (187mph). Curb weight 1,585 kg. The price – £94,475.

Last is the 911 Carrera 4S – a 3.8 liter flat-six with 395HP (290 kW) at 7,400RPM and 437Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque at 5,600RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed PDK gearbox sending power to AWD. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 297km/h (184 mph). The curb weight is 1,450kg. The price – £87,959.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFtgwCOaBL4

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

January 30, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Carlsson Mercedes-Benz CK35 Enhanced by Overdrive

As a basis for the exceptional Carlsson Mercedes-Benz CK35 served the 2012 ML350 BlueTec model which in general is a very impressive vehicle. However, the tuners from the Bulgarian company Overdrive managed to make it even more exclusive by adding to the Carlsson modification its magical touch.

Basically, what they have done here is to add a magnifier in each headlight. When the latter is in regime “daylight” the magnifiers send out red beam. In addition, the tuning specialists have also mounted LED daylight running lights in the headlights.

Next, the original door handles and the rearview-mirrors were repainted in Black Piano Varnish. On the sunshades was embroidered “Carlsson” and for easier control, to this Mercedes-Benz was added a rear-view camera.

Nevertheless, let’s not forget that all of this is an additional tuning over the original one done by Carlsson. Its exterior package includes the following: addition for the front bumper with two chrome grills, additional headlights for fog and LED daylight running lights mounted in the bumper, central chrome grille with “Carlsson” badge, side doorsteps, addition for the rear bumper with diffusor, end muffler on the exhaust system with two tips.

At last but not least, to the ML350 was added also a power enhancement via ECU Programming performed by Kleemann. After it, the horsepower of this SUV was increased up to 320 (235 lb-ft) in comparison to the original 245 hp (180 lb-ft).

Photographer: Deyan Yordanov

Source: Overdrive

January 30, 2013

MINI Expands its All-Wheel-Drive Range

MINI has just announced that it is going to expand its all-wheel-drive range (ALL4) of vehicles thus delivering more driving fun, focused experience and agile handling. In March the choice of additional models with ALL4.

That’s when the MINI Paceman will be launched featuring the ALL4 as a standard or an option. The number of models with this technology will increase up to eight. The first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium compact segment sees ALL4 optionally teaming up with the diesel engines in the Cooper SD Paceman (105 kW/143 hp) and Cooper D Paceman (82 kW/112 hp), as well as the petrol unit under the bonnet of the Cooper S Paceman (135 kW/184 hp).

In addition, MINI John Cooper Works Paceman will also be equipped with the all-wheel-drive system as standard. The model generates 160 kW/218 hp and has as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Automatic transmission comes as an option.

As a matter of fact, ALL4 delivers boost to traction, directional stability and agility through corners. In addition, the ALL4 will be featured in the Countryman, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper SD Countryman and Cooper D Countryman as an option. On the other hand as a standard it will be included in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

To go further into details, the all-wheel-drive system utilizes an electromagnetic centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving the system diverts up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, rising to 100 per cent in extreme conditions.

ALL4’s control electronics are integrated directly into the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) management unit, enabling drive to be channelled through the wheels as required in a matter of milliseconds.

In addition it also optimizes the fuel economy. It also utilizes the data collected by DSC to tweak the power split pre-emptively and to effect through dynamically taken corners. The system feeds a higher proportion of the engine’s power to the rear wheels to make turn-in as precise as possible.

All of the models which will feature the ALL4, will also include the DSC system with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode. The latter allows controlled slip through the driven wheels to ease moving off on loose sand or deep snow. What is more, those models will also have a very specific chassis set-up, which includes an inner vibration damper and delivers great acoustic and dynamic comfort.

Source: MINI

January 30, 2013

Nissan at Canadian International Auto Show

2014 Nissan Versa Note, Resonance Concept and Juke Nismo will make their premiere at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (CIAS) on 14th of February. There, the Versa Note four-door hatchback will show segment-exclusive technology, outstanding fuel economy, smart packaging and class-leading cargo space.

The Versa lineup has a dramatic new look and will go on sale at Nissan‘s Canadian dealers in June 2013. The model has its own distinctive look, feel and added hatchback utility. It carries the Note designation, as well as the PURE DRIVE badge that shows a low CO2 emissions and exceptional fuel efficiency.

On the other hand the Nissan Resonance Concept, which was just recently unveiled at the 2013 NAIAS will exhibit the direction of future Nissan crossovers. To go further into detials, the Resonance Concept has an open, airy architecture highlighted by a unique “floating” roof created through the use of the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design.

It also includes all-wheel drive and efficient hybrid electric drivetrain. The latter featured the so called “one-motor, two-clutch” system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.

Nissan-Resonance-Concept-01

In addition, the famous Juke Nismo will give a glimpse of the new strategy of the brand. Juke Nismo will be powered by a 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine based on the 16GT FOUR Type V. The unit was precisely tuned in order to provide great driving experience. The production model that will be on display represents new brand strategy and focuses on creating premium high-performance sports vehicles.

Nissan will also offer the visitors of the show the opportunity to connect with the vehicles through its Virtual Showroom 3D Hologram display. The latter will now feature an application of a high-definition holographic video projection system utilized to make the illusion of three-dimensional moving images.

The system is also extremely interactive, because it allows people to interact with virtual vehicles when performing physical gestures. I details, the Nissan car will be something called “Pepper’s Ghost” – an illusionary technique traditionally used in theatre, similar to a transparent 3D hologram.

Source: Nissan

January 30, 2013

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