Automobiles Review – Page 774 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Seat Mii And Ibiza Offered in Toca Editions

Seat Mii Toca and Seat Ibiza Toca Editions are now being introduced to the market delivering more desirable equipment and special features. In Spanish “Toca” means “touch” and as you can conclude this name gives a fairly obvious clue to the bonuses included in those two new models.

In particular, Toca Editions come with the very useful Seat Portable System (including a touch-screen), which was firstly introduced to the Seat range with the Mii city car. First of all, the Mii Toca is based on the 1.0 60 PS SE version, but adds the Seat Portable System and rear parking sensors.

Secondly, by committing to the Ibiza Toca (which is based on the SE version), the drivers will get a set of 16-inch “Stratos” alloy wheel. These were previously 15-inch. In addition, the Seat Portable System is also featured.

Both Ibiza and Mii are loaded with equipment which features the following: air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows, electronic stability control (ESC), remote central locking. The only difference that the Ibiza adds is that it includes front fog lights with cornering function.

Furthermore, the aforementioned Seat Portable System includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, a MicroSD card slot for music storage, and trip computer functions, all controlled via a fool-proof interface on a five-inch touchscreen.

Seat Mii Toca

Doors	Model	Engine	PS	CO2 g/km
3dr	Toca	1.0 12V	60	105
5dr	Toca	1.0 12V	60	105

Seat Ibiza Toca

Doors	Model	Engine	PS	CO2 g/km
SC	Toca	1.4 85PS	85	139
5dr	Toca	1.4 85PS	85	139
ST	Toca	1.4 85PS	85	139

Source: Seat

January 24, 2013

2013 Volkswagen CC – Better Value for Money

2013 Volkswagen CC features modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

The price of every CC model in the range is now at least £470 lower than last year, meaning you can get behind the wheel of a CC from just £24,050.

The best-selling model – CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 140HP with either manual or automatic DSG gearbox will now get even better value for money, too. The price is wn by a total of £1,320, thanks to the removal of ACC (Adaptive Chassis Control), which now becomes a £850 option.

ACC remains standard on the CC GT 2.0-litre TDI 170HP and CC GT 2.0-litre TSI 210HP, and is optional on all other models.

The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160HP and 2.0 litre TSI with 210HP. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140HP or 170HP. All models with 170HP or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

Source: Volkswagen

January 24, 2013

2013 Ford Fiesta ST – 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds

2013 Ford Fiesta ST is an affordable performance car, which is suitable for everyday drive. It has a mighty four-cylinder engine and some nice additional extras over the standard Fiesta.

The European model is available only in 3-door variant, while the US-spec 2014 Fiesta ST in exclusively sold as a 5-door model. We can’t tell the purpose of this marketing move, but the three-door variant is a lot more stylish and nice. The European version will be available in the UK in march with price starting from £16,995.

For £1,000 more, you can order the ST-2 trim adding LED DRL’s, Sony DAB radio, half-leather Recaro Sport seats and keyless entry. This is definitely a good bargain.

The Fiesta ST gets a revised suspension with lowering springs (-15 mm) and stiffened dampers. The brake system has also been improved compared to the stock Fiesta. Last is a three-stage electronic stability control system and enhanced torque vectoring control.

The 2013 Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 180HP (132 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

Source: Ford

January 23, 2013

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz SLK Race Car

Carlsson has developed a unique race car based on Mercedes-Benz SLK. The name of the project is Carlsson SLK 340 JUDD.

The curb weight of the sports car is just 780kg, which is achieved thanks to an ultra-lightweight body kit made of carbon fiber. The aerodynamic components have been tested extensively, even in a wind tunnel, to connect a spectacular look with a perfect downforce.

“We developed the design over a long period of time and with lots of feeling. We are proud of the awesome look. As an engineer, it is a pleasure to contribute to such a project, and we can show everything that is technically possible in the vehicle in cooperation with Carlsson”, commented Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Markus Schuster, Managing Director of Carlsson Germany.

The engine is a 3.4 liter V8 with 610HP (449 kW) and 430Nm (319 lb-ft) of torque. The engine weighs just 120kg. The gearbox is a Hewland with a paddle shift.

A 3-way adjustable KW competition suspension ensures optimum road holding for the race car on BBS racing wheels – 10J x 18” front and 13J x 18” rear fitted with AVON tires. The brake system of ultralight materials saves additional weight. Maximum support and maximum safety are guaranteed by newly developed racing seats from Fibreworks.

Last, but not least a complex safety cage has been installed which meets all relevant international requirements.

Source: Carlsson

January 23, 2013

Hartge BMW M5 F10 – 642HP and 810Nm

Hartge has announced their tuning program for BMW M5 F10. It was about time for the tuner to make the high-performance saloon faster and more aggressive, so the program includes both styling and engine mods.

The exterior gets a new front lip spoiler, carbon fiber mirror housings and different sets of 21” HARTGE wheels. There is also a set of lowering springs reducing the ride height by 25mm at the front and 20mm at the rear. HARTGE also offers a complete stainless steel sports exhaust system.

The interior received only aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and some Hartge badging.

The biggest modification comes for the mighty twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, which is boosted to 642HP (472 kW) and 810Nm (597 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 82HP and 130Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h(190 mph) – electronically limited.

Source: Hartge

January 23, 2013

Kia Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Kia will present its latest Concept Car at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The provocative and racy new urban concept car has the company’s signature tiger-nose morphing into a mischievous yet friendly grille and headlight arrangement, coupled with strong styling lines that exude speed and energy from every angle.

The new Concept by Kia definitely will catch the eyes of the visitors.

Still, no information about performance or engines are available.

However, it could turn out to be a preview concept of a future Nissan Juke rival.

Source: Kia

January 23, 2013

World Debut: Aston Martin Rapide S

Absolutely exclusive and with stunning visual characteristics the new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut and it is showing off more luxury and power-related enhancements. The new GT has been redesigned and re-engineered which makes it one of the most beautiful cars on the market nowadays.

Rapide S will replace the outgoing Rapide, has an assertive new “face” with the instantly eye catching new full grille. In addition to this, to make it even more aggressive the designers matched the revised front end’s design with a new rear deck profile, which includes a more pronounced boot lid “flip”.

More importantly there are some comprehensive changes in the new Aston Martin model regarding its engine. It is powered by an AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented force and enhanced in-gear acceleration.

Thanks to it the Rapide can now produce the stunning 558 hp (410 kW) at 6,750 rpm. The peak torque is 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm. This amazing results lead to only one thing: great acceleration time.

The car needs only 4.9 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h on its way to the top speed of 190 mph. Despite the powerful performance, the vehicle shows great efficiency. CO2 emissions are 332 g/km – while fuel economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

Aston Martin engineers also paid attention to the car’s dynamic stability control (DSC) in line with its significant increases in both power and torque. The car also benefits from the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS). The system now offers three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’.

The ADS automatically manages the suspension thus ensuring drivers greater sense of control at all times. The damper settings here are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Furthermore, Rapide S has unique approach to pedestrian impact protection through its lowered engine, new bonnet, new front bumper construction and new grille. The grille moves rearwards on impact, whilst the central and outboard chin stiffeners give rigidity to the lower structure and support achievement of the leg impact regulations.

In terms of interior Aston Martin stands only for luxury. In addition, there is a new optional Carbon Exterior Pack which adds more sporting attitude. Front splitter, rear diffuser, mirror caps and rear lamp infills are all made from carbon fibre.

The piano black interior pack adds mirror-like shine to the facia, transmission tunnel centre plate and door handles. A darker surround in the instrument binnacle and steering wheel with black horn-push surround round off the pack’s sumptuous additions. Luxurious blend headlinings in either tan or grey are also present and reinforce the luxury treatment of the coupe.

Even more, the Rapide S now comes with improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics thanks to the new bonnet lining and revised windscreen cowl. Optionally there is a choice of a reversing camera and twin screen rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and six-disc DVD changer.

Aston Martin Rapide S will be available to order worldwide next month with prices announced closer to the on-sale date.

Source: Aston Martin

January 23, 2013

2014 Bentley Mulsanne With Enhanced Specifications [VIDEO]

The next-generation 2014 Bentley Mulsanne has just been exclusively unveiled. It will make an official first appearance at the Geneva International Salon d’Auto in March and will be available for ordering from April.

The facelifted includes new Comfort Specification which is featuring comfort headrests, footrests, duck down filled loose cushions and privacy curtains. Furthermore the design incorporates Bentley Winged Emblems, but also bespoke stitching or piping.

As a standard in this specification is now featured a new rear door armrest storage compartment, which can conveniently serve as a place for mobile phones, personal items or Bluetooth headphones for Rear Seat Entertainment.

There is also available an Entertainment Specification which in turn includes the latest in technological developments, picnic tables designed for an iPad and wireless keyboard. This means that the cabin of the Mulsanne will literally become a Wi-Fi Hotspot.

The rear cabin’s privacy can be attained through the touch of a button, with new privacy curtains offered as a Crewe-fitted option. Speaking about the cabin, here Bentley has offered two coor options: either Black or Ivory.

In addition, the Entertainment Specification is further enhanced with twin, eight inch LCD headrest screens, incorporating a 20 GB hard drive and DVD player, played through a ‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system, while two sets of Bluetooth headphones and a remote control.

In terms of exterior, there are three new additions to the palette: Dark Cashmere, Portofino and Damson. Dark Cashmere is a warm grey color, while Portofino is a new take on Pale Sapphire. The Damson is a rich color with subtle sparkle of rare purple diamonds.

What is more is that there are also three additional hide colors: Damson, Saffron and Brunel, which all complement the luxurious stance that the main colors deliver.

As an option, there is offered a range of bespoke Mulsanne luggage pieces which were hand made by the renowned Italian luggage specialists Schedoni. The full package comprises of six pieces, two large cases, two small cases and two foldable garment bags. All six pieces here include monogram Bentley lining and embossed Bentley logos on the main panels.

httpv://youtu.be/06Ivu-QPM-U

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Bentley

January 23, 2013

Optimized: Polestar Volvo V40 T4

Polestar Volvo V40 T4 is the latest model which adds to the Polestar Performance range. The car includes optimization thanks to which its power is increased to 200 hp (147 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft).

The aspiring chassis of the Volvo makes it one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive. With this transformation, Polestar is opting to deliver even more driving fun. Furthermore, the same optimization can be also done for the S60, V60, S80 and V70 T4 models and it will increase their power with 20 hp (15 kW) and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).

In the present case, the Polestar V40 T4 delivers not only optimized power and torque, but also more fun in driving, and at the same time as it enhances the safety in risky situations. In addition to this, although the power output has been increased this doesn’t affect the fuel consumption which is equal to the one of the standard model.

Source: Polestar

January 23, 2013

Teaser: Rolls-Royce Wraith In Profile

Rolls-Royce Wraith is being teased once again. The luxury brand has just revealed the profile of its upcoming new model, which is going to make an official debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

In fact, this is the official first image of the Wraith and as we can see it shows a graceful silhouette which gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury vehicle. And just to remind you, this unique car is promised to be most powerful Rolls-Royce in history.

It also highlights design cues that can be seen in Phantom and Ghost models. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce Wraith pays tribute to the pioneering and adventurous spirit of the company’s forefather Charles Rolls.

Source: Rolls-Royce

January 23, 2013

Audi Automatic Driving for Parking

Here is an interesting video clip of Audi’s latest automatic parking system. It operates with the help of ultrasound or cameras, which display images via the onboard monitor.

This is a very convenient solution for parking and saves a lot of time. Furthermore, you can pick up your car from the destination you left it. Audi’s Automatic Driving for Parking seeks for suitable spot and performs performs all the necessary steering movements; it can handle both parallel parking and parking perpendicular to the street.

Park assist can perform multi-point parking maneuvers and also offers support in leaving parallel parking spaces.

Another technology from Audi is the parking system plus with surround view cameras. Four small cameras – in the single-frame grille, at the rear and in the side mirror housings – record the vehicle’s immediate surroundings. The driver can call up a variety of views on the large onboard monitor, including a top-down virtual view. On corners or junctions with an obstructed view, the system can analyze cross-traffic otherwise invisible to the driver in front of or behind the vehicle.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_m8DqTlOLE

Source: YouCarPress via Youtube

January 22, 2013

Subaru BRZ – “Best of 2013” Winner

2013 Subaru BRZ Sport has been named “Best of 2013” by Cars.com. The RWD sports car delivers pinpoint handling precision and an unmatched driving experience for sports car enthusiasts of all skill levels.

“As the first sports car to win our top honor, that says as much about the American car market as it does about our criteria. We look for value, quality and innovation,” commented Patrick Olsen, Editor in Chief, Cars.com.

The one and only purpose of the BRZ is to bring driving pleasure, that’s why the manufacturer has created a light car with an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. The naturally aspirated 2.0 liter BOXER engine with 200HP is powerful enough to satisfy even the most demanding customers. Furthermore, the BRZ is a sports car that does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality.

It features 2+2 layout with a folding rear seat, so there is sufficient cargo space to transport four race tires and tools to track days. Combined with the Subaru brand’s renowned safety and quality, the BRZ is a sports car with practicality as well as performance.

The BRZ went on sale in Spring 2012 to strong media reviews and contributed to Subaru’s fourth consecutive year of sales records.

The Subaru BRZ was co-developed with Toyota Motor Cars and the Scion-branded FR-S also received the Best of 2013 award.