Automobiles Review – Page 793 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

World Premiere of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500 is undoubtedly an icon in the automotive world. The latest model in the famous line-up is the new 2014 Fiat 500L which expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering more than 42 percent more interior space, engaging driving dynamics, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a best-in-class 160 horsepower (118 kW) and two six-speed transmission.

Here the letter ‘L’ sums up the six dimensions of the Fiat 500L: “Leveraging”, “Large”, “Loft”, “Lifestyle”, and “Light”. The vehicle is paired with tight European handling and quick steering, and comes equipped with the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine

The latter generates the highest output-per-liter and great horsepower 160 hp (118 kW) and torque of 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.). The unit can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or segment-exclusive six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT).

More importantly however, is the new debut of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking, which shows the adventurous side of the 500L. Its premiere expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks.

The model includes sporty two-tone interior environment, unique front and rear fascia designs in Nero (black) accents, flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels, which match perfectly to its athletic personality.

Furthermore, the interior of this Fiat model continues the two-tone theme, here in Nero/Marrone (black/brown) color. In the cabin is where the driver can enjoy the Uconnect 5.0 system, which includes a 5-inch intelligently and intuitively designed touchscreen interface, handsfree calling and Bluetooth-streaming audio, and a voice-command control of the radio and a media hub.

2014 Fiat 500L and 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking will be officially launched on the market in the middle of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

2013 Fiat 500e Recharges the Electric Vehicle Segment

2013 Fiat 500e is city-friendly, environmentally responsible and fun-to-drive and in other words – all that you want to see in an urban vehicle. Through its iconic style, engaging dynamics and an environmentally responsible zero-emissions design, this EV is ready to show what true Italian style and performance mean.

The 500e builds on the Cinquecento’s small-car formula, but adds battery-electric powertrain which generates 111 horsepower (83 kW). In addition, it is rechargeable in less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM) and delivers more than 80 miles of estimated range.

What is more, there is a brand new chassis and suspension designed for the new EV powertrain. The wind-tunnel-sculpted shape and retro-futuristic dot-matrix styled cues are those details which give the vehicle a cutting-edge look.

Improvements in aerodynamics here were achieved through exterior enhancements and more than 140 hours of wind tunnel testing and refinement. The result is a purposeful design that enables this Fiat to achieve an additional five miles of range.

The interior of the new EV is retro and futuristic at the same time. For example, a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster displays full-color picture graphics to illustrate vehicle functions, charge levels and trip summary.

In addition, the driver will benefit also from the TomTom Navigation unit, which will enable them to view the vehicle’s charge schedule, range, and power-flow gauges, and can even request nearby charging stations with real-time availability.

Those who want more style, the interior environment is available in Nero (black) or exclusive Steam (white) themes, highlighted by Electric Orange.

2013 Fiat 500e will be officially launched in the second quarter of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

First Performance Details: 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT

Last week 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT was teased for the first time. There was unveiled only one picture, which showed the sporty lines of the model but no additional details were disclosed.

Now Kia decided to reveal the first performance details not only for the pro_cee’d GT but also for the five-door cee’d GT. In addition, it was confirmed that both vehicles will go on sale in the middle of the next year.

The two new GT models will be powered by the new Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine. It will include a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. What’s more, the power and torque outputs are now increased.

To be more precise, the maximum power is 204 hp (150 kW), which is up 51 per cent over the non-turbo engine. The torque was increased with up to 61 per cent and now reaches the number of 265 Nm (195 lb/ft).

The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the models’ performance targets include 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 7.9 seconds. On the other hand, major developments to the chassis and suspension systems ensure the exceptional dynamic characteristics.

Exterior-wise, here we can see new grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and special paint finishes, which all contribute to more aggressive stance. The look of the GT models is also distinguished by pairs of jewel-like, four-point LED daytime running lights.

What has been disclosed about the interior is that now the models will include the addition of Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and bespoke surface materials.

Prices and detailed specifications for 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT will be confirmed closer to the on sale date.

Source: Kia

December 4, 2012

Red Temptation: D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2

D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2 comes to bring more excitement in our lives in the cold winder days with its exuberant red skin and its thirst for speed and acceleration. The Porsche will take your breath away with its 500 horsepower (370 kW) which it draws from its six-cylinder 3.8 liter boxer engine.

The unit is mated to a manual seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. The vehicle also includes sport-chrono package, featuring the availability of an electronically controlled launch-control and an overboost-function for temporary increasing the turbo-pressure.

Therefore whit this amazing amount of horsepower it is no wonder that this “red dragon” accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed reached by the 997 Turbo is 194 mph (312 km/h).

What specialist from D2Forged have done on it in order to make it even more special, is to give it concave, custom finished D2Forged CV2 Brilliant Brushed Cleared Wheels. The size used for the front is 20×9 with tires in size 245/30/20, and for the rear – 20×13 with tires in size 345/25/20. The shallow concave front and rear is obvious as well as the Red D2 cap.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

December 3, 2012

Project Kro: SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage

Project Kro is the name of an undertaking that the specialist of SR Auto have begun and finished exquisitely. The car that is being tuned is the Aston Martin Vantage. It is popular because of its unique characteristics, sublime nature and exceptional driving experience.

The stunning pictures show that Project Kro is in fact a true prince of the night. What adds to it is not only the modifications done, but also the true Aston Martin spirit that it carries within. And to be more precise this spirit is due to the 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine.

The V8 unit generates 426 PS (313 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. On the other hand the five spoke design and Project Kro go hand in hand perfectly.

SR Auto obviously kept the classic look of the vehicle but adding a bit of a modern twist. Te spice here is due to the PUR 8IGHT Wheels in Modern Black added. Weight and strength is what dominates in the choice of those wheels. They are in size 21×9+42 for the front and 21×10.5+55 for the rear. The wheels itself weigh in at 23lbs each and include a forged mono block design.

Source: SR Auto

December 3, 2012

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet

Bugatti has presented their latest special edition Veyron – The Grand Sport Venet is prepared with the help of the French artist Bernar Venet. The conceptual artist was asked by Bugatti to help them with this project, which is built for this week’s Art Basel Miami Beach.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet features a special look including rust-like paint starting from the front of the hyper car. The drawings include many mathematic and scientific formulas and numbers.

“A Bugatti is already a work of art in itself, one that transports both its beholder and its driver into new dimensions of reality. I realized how I could translate my passion for mathematical equations and scientific treatises into three-dimensional form. My works are usually self-referential. So I found the idea of translating the equations of the Bugatti engineers onto the bodywork of the car very appealing. It was, so to speak, a logical conclusion and a new challenge in terms of the specific form of collaboration and implementation. To me, the result is also exceptional when measured by artistic standards and bestows the object with a mythical character.”, commented Bernar Venet.

The interior boasts nice brown leather for dashboard, door panels and seats. Again, there are some interesting orange formulas.

The engine remains same – an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo – 1200HP (882 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of over 410 km/h (255 mph).

Nothing is mentioned about the price, but probably it will be more than €2,000,000.

Source: Bugatti

December 3, 2012

Saleen Ford Mustang 351 Delivers 700 Horsepower

Saleen Ford Mustang 351 is an enhanced version of the popular muscle car done by Steve Saleen. This modified Ford model comes to show-off exciting list of technological and design offerings.

First of all, the most notable component in the 351 is the Saleen engineered 351 cubic inch V8 engine. It generates 700 hp (515 kW) and 888 Nm (655 ft-lb) of torque when paired with Saleen 296 supercharger system.

In fact, this is probably the most potent Mustang currently on the market. In addition, the engine is mated to a six-speed transmission equipped with a high performance Saleen clutch system, and a 3.73:1 final drive ratio. They both ensure that the power will be where it’s most required – on the ground.

Next, the incredible machine got wheel and tire combination as well as Saleen S4 suspension and the Saleen 15″ brake package. What rounding out the performance system are the Saleen 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with high performance tires in sizes 20×9 for the front and 20×10 for the rear.

On the other hand the Red Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction with its Red Butterfly hood allows cold air to intake through the butterfly scoop design as they open-up under throttle. Once the air passes through the butterfly openings it is directed through the engine compartment to the 351’s powerplant where it becomes a tributary to the air intake system.

Even more: additional design components feature full carbon fiber front and side splitters, as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser which houses the F-1 style tail lamp. A complete treatment of Saleen 351 badging and graphics is also available.

Source: Saleen

December 3, 2012

Morgan launches 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition is the latest car made by the popular British brand. With its open-cockpit it is truly an extreme sports car. In fact the unique vehicle was specifically built in order to race in the World Endurance Championship for Sports Cars.

The races in which the car will take place are at Le Mans for the 24 hours as well as Sebring, Silverstone, Spa. Furthermore, it is important to mention that many race-drivers prefer an open cockpit because it has some advantages over the coupe, such as superior sense of speed and vision.

In addition, the driver can develop closer bond with the car and feels safer because he can be more in control. This Morgan also delivers unique combination of economy and acceleration, thanks to its superior V8 engine plus the low overall weight and superb aerodynamics.

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition impresses also with its striking Blue and Orange graphic – the Gulf Oil livery. This represents the years of motorsport success. In particular the car is adorned with “Gulf Edition” text for being the hundred commemorative vehicle.

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition Specifications:

• Gulf graphic pack

• Black engine

• Black with orange rimmed mirrors

• Black head lamps

• Roll hoops – black

• Mud Guards – Black

• Black exhausts

• Black exhaust heat shields

• Limited edition badge / embossed leather

• Black dashboard panels

• Standard black leather

• Orange wall tyres

• Gulf blue solid paint

• Orange stitching on steering wheel

Source: Morgan

December 3, 2012

2013 Subaru Forester – Crash Test [video]

The new generation of Subaru Forester will hit the market, next year. The cross-over has been awarded the highest five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme for its safety performance.

“This is a strong result for a model that has consistently been one of our best-sellers, and the all-new Forester’s active, passive and hazard avoidance technologies will make it one of the safest cars on and off the road. That the new model will be more practical, more economical and more refined than its predecessor only adds further to its appeal.”, said Haydn Davies, Marketing Director, Subaru UK.

The 2013 Forester managed to score high results in all four areas – Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist. This happens thanks to Subaru’s unique ring-shaped reinforcement frame body and the extensive use of high-tensile steel.

Subaru’s unique permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle; paired with Vehicle Dynamics Control, the Japanese brand’s electronic stability control system, this contributed to a high Safety Assist score from Euro NCAP.

The 4^th-generation Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a user-friendly compact SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin.

A low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity – the result of Subaru’s hallmark Boxer engines and the use of high-tensile steels respectively – contribute to improved refinement and fun-to-drive characteristics.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiwE0RYly58

Source: Euro NCAP

December 3, 2012

2013 Dacia Sandero Stepway – UK Price £7,995

Dacia has officially presented the Sandero Stepway. The new model is now turning up the heat with “shockingly affordable” prices. Having already announced the country’s “most affordable new car” and “most affordable new SUV” (as well as 4×4), Dacia is now cementing its reputation for great prices with the “UK’s most affordable supermini crossover”.

The two Ambiance versions also come loaded with Bluetooth, metallic paint and a radio/CD system with fingertip controls. Being a Renault Group product, safety gear hasn’t been skimped on either.For maximum passenger protection, Sandero Stepway benefits from seatbelts with calibrated load limiters for thorax protection in the event of impact, plus rear seat Isofix anchorage points. That’s on top of the standard fit driver, passenger and front side airbags and ESC.

The Sandero Stepway range-topper comes in the form, as usual, of Lauréate. Mirroring the high kit count of the equivalent Sandero, it profers air conditioning, a chrome front grille, full electric windows and electric heated door mirrors.

The flagship features MediaNav 7” touchscreen multimedia system with SAT NAV, AUX and USB inputs and four speakers. Plus, it’s also got cruise control, speed limiter and rear parking sensors.

Inside its spacious and curvaceous body, it also conceals a height adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, leather steering wheel and gearknob and seven-function trip computer. For those looking to indulge themselves with a touch of luxury, dark carbon leather upholstery (with synthetic leather side bolsters) is available at an equally affordable £600.

Four body colours are available to choose from, all in metallic hues. Cinder Red, Mercury, Pearl Black and Azurite Blue.

Two engines are offered – the TCe 90 is a direct-injection, turbocharged, three-cylinder 0.9-litre petrol with 90HP. It returns up to 52.3 mpg on combined cycle.

The 1.5 liter diesel – the dCi 90 has returns 70.6 mpg on combined cycle with just 105 g/km of CO2.

Trim level	Engine	CO₂emissions	MPG (combined)	On-the-road price
Ambiance	0.9 TCe 90	125	52.3	£7,995
	1.5 dCi 90	105	70.6	£8.995
Lauréate	0.9 TCe 90	125	52.3	£9,795
	1.5 dCi 90	105	70.6	£10,795

Source: Dacia

December 3, 2012

2012 Super Cars Top 3 – Lamborghini LP570, Audi R8 V10 and Ferrari 458

Dragtimesinfo has released video with their top three in category Super Cars for 2012. The third place is took by one of our favourite super cars – Ferrari 458 Italia. The second place belongs to a tuned Audi R8 V10 Stage 2 and the winner is Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10 with 570PS (419 kW) at 8000RPM and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6500RPM. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, to 200 km/h in 10.2 seconds and the top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).

The Audi R8 V10 5.2FSI has 525HP (386 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph). However, the car in the video is boosted to 600HP meaning that it is a lot faster and closer to the mighty Gallardo.

The 458 Italia is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570PS (419 kW) at 9000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6000RPM. This means the incredible 127 PS/liter from a naturally aspirated engine. Furthermore, the sports car is 1380 kg, so it has power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp. 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvZtlwNB7Ng

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

December 2, 2012

Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R231

Lorinser has announced their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (the R231 model). The car comes with nice body kit and some power boost. Essentially, everything that a stylish Benz needs.

The body kit includes a new front and rear bumpers, wide wheel arches, a rear spoiler, a pair of modified side skirts and a rear diffuser together with a sports exhaust system with four pipes. The vision is completed by a set of enormous 20” RSK8 alloy wheels fitted with 255/30 R20 front and 295/25 R20 rear tires. The design combines agility and elegance, and sits perfectly under the wheel arches. Lorinser recommends using the high performance tyres from its technology partner Continental.

The 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo engine is boosted to 530HP (390 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The tuning company can upgrade the software, so the sports car can go up to 280 km/h (174 mph). The power is increased by 95HP and 100Nm. Lorinser also recommends a speedometer with extended top speed range for either version.

The car can be fitted with the Active Body Control (ABC) system giving more sporty feeling. The customer can set and save their desired height (higher or lower). The system uses controls on the steering wheel, and the „Lorinser“ indicator appears on the multi function control panel.

To complement the existing ex-works interior options, Lorinser can supply accessories in fine aluminium, wood, or carbon look.

Source: Lorinser

November 30, 2012

Blog