Automobiles Review – Page 814 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Wheelsandmore Bentley Continental GT – 680 HP and 850Nm

Wheelsandmore has announced their latest project, which includes a number of special accessories for Bentley Continental GT, GTC and superfast GT Speed model.

The exterior boasts set of new huge wheels in dimensions from 21” to 22” fitted with Continental Sport Contact 5P tires. The ride can be put closer to the ground with the help of an electronic lowering module.

Wheelsandmore also offers a handcrafted stainless steel sports exhaust. Giving not only a nice deep sound, but additional power – 15HP and around 18Nm of torque. For further joy, you can also order sport catalysts giving another 15HP and 25Nm or a combined power only from the complete exhaust system – 30HP and 43Nm of torque.

The tuning company can boost the mighty engine in Continental GT via an ECU re-map giving 565HP and 750Nm of torque for the GT V8 model. The Continental GT W12 is boosted to whopping 635HP and 760Nm and the GT Speed boasts 680HP and 850Nm of torque.

Source: Wheelsandmore

October 10, 2012

Neiman Marcus McLaren 12C Spider – Price $354,000

Neiman Marcus has presented the annual Christmas Book, which will feature a special edition McLaren 12C Spider.

The car is finished in Volcano Red. It is powered by the same engine – a 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 625HP (460 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 328 km/h (204 mph). The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The customers will also get a special luggage set and a business-class trip to England for a tour of the McLaren Technology Center and a VIP dinner with McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis. Indeed, it is very good value for money, especially when you will eventually pay whopping $354,000 for Neiman Marcus McLaren 12C Spider.

However, only 12 units will be available, so don’t worry. There will be a unit for every customer considering that people estimate their money.

Source: McLaren

October 10, 2012

Walter Rohrl driving the 918 Spyder at the Nurburgring

Porsche has released another interesting video clip of the 918 Spyder, which has lapped the Nurburgring in just 7 minutes and 14 seconds. This time behind the steering wheel is the world famous Walter Rohrl, who was driving in Group B (World Rally Championship) during the 1980’s, which was the most dangerous competition in the world. You can also see him climbing Pikes Peak with highly tuned Peugeot 405 Coupe.

Back to 918 Spyder – the car is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine and two electric motors. The combined power 770HP (566 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

The car is fitted with street-legal tires and had the optional Weissach Package which will be offered for the production model.

Röhrl commented that the 918 Spyder is easier to take to the limit in comparison to the astonishing Carrera GT.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URA15FCZHBM

Source: Porsche

October 10, 2012

The Unexpected Ones: Jeremy Lin and the Volvo XC60

Volvo is currently airing a national TV commercial which puts emphasis on the values that drove Lin towards his success. The relation is the commitment and values that make Volvo a unique luxury brand with an unmatched legacy of safety leadership.

The 30-second commercial carries the name “The Unexpected Ones”. In the spot, Lin is seen leaving a celebrity event in a Volvo XC60. To be more precise this is the model that got 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, which makes it the only European SUV with so high rating.

In the video below you’ll see how this incredible Volvo SUV is standing out in passion red among a procession of dull, black limos. Lin at first puts on the left turn indicator then unexpectedly activates the right turn indicator instead and drives away from the crowd.

Lin, who is a Harvard grad, is expected to help Volvo expand its reach in emerging markets and with younger customers. The bran has recently announced a two-year, global endorsement deal, which focuses on markets in China, the United States and other countries in Asia.

httpv://youtu.be/X9ebc-wKoZk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

October 10, 2012

Petrolicious: When Outrageous Was Possible

The new project Petrolicious is gaining more popularity because the crew is working hard to deliver to all fans of vintage cars excellent footages of some of the rarest model. Such one is Lamborghini Countach, the story of which you can hear in the first seconds of the video below.

This model of Lamborghini debuted back in the distant 1971 and as the owner James Chen admits it was an “outrageous” car. Because it is not very organic, and in fact it has origami-like forms, it looks very aggressively on the road.

Back in those years the art form known as coachbuilding existed. Back then, the coach builder did not have to compromise his vision due to government regulations. And this is how the Lamborghini Countach was born.

If you are curious to want more about this Lamborghini and to know the true meaning of the word “exotic” then what you need to do is to take a look on this exciting footage:

httpv://vimeo.com/50406912

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Petrolicious

October 10, 2012

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody is the latest conversion of the tuning company Prior Design. It has equipped the Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL model with brand new PD Black Edition V2 Widebody aerodynamic-package and thus making it even more competitive.

Although the new body kit undergoes current development, some details have been just released. The main material used here for instance is high-quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic).

This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish which delivers enough flexibility combined with high stability. In addition it allows easier and inexpensive painting. The fitment is excellent because no modifications or alterations are needed for the parts.

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody - Front

Mercedes SL [R230] PD-BlackEdition V2 Widebody PRIOR-DESIGN Aerodynamic-Kit consists of the following:

BlackEdition V2 front bumper
BlackEdition V2 front lip spoiler (for BlackEdition front bumper)
BlackEdition V2 side skirts
BlackEdition V2 rear bumper
BlackEdition V2 rear diffusor
BlackEdition V2 front fenders
BlackEdition V2 rear widenings
BlackEdition V2 front bonnet
BlackEdition V2 mesh grille inserts
Mounting material
TÜV parts certificate included

As an option, Prior Design offers BlackEdition rear trunk spoiler.

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody - Side

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody - Rear Angle

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230FL PD Black Edition V2 Widebody - Interior

Source: Prior Design

October 10, 2012

Brabus 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

The new Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake has arrived! And like the first CLS that created a market for four-door coupes, the new five-door model redefines the sporty-elegant wagon. The exclusive final touch in the form of a sophisticated refinement program is now available from BRABUS.

The extensive product lineup starts with sporty-elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components for all Shooting Brake models with or without AMG sport package, and features custom-tailored BRABUS wheels with diameters of up to 20″. Also part of the BRABUS portfolio are exclusive interior options and engine tuning that delivers up to 619HP (455 kW) of power, 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque and a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph).

Sporty-elegant styling paired with aerodynamic efficiency is the trademark of all BRABUS body kits. As always, the body components for the new CLS Shooting Brake were developed in the wind tunnel. They are manufactured from flexible Pur-R-Rim high-grade plastics or from carbon fibers depending on the version.

The CLS 250 and 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY diesel models and the CLS 350 and 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with production aerodynamics outfit can be upgraded with the BRABUS front spoiler, the BRABUS front fascia attachments with integrated LED daytime running lights, the sport fenders and the BRABUS side skirts with integrated entrance lights.

For vehicles equipped with AMG sport package BRABUS offers a striking BRABUS front spoiler lip that attaches to the underside of the front fascia. The CLS 63 AMG can be refined with an additional front spoiler and fender attachments with backlit BRABUS logo. Their clear-coated carbon-fiber construction lends the sport wagon full-blooded racing looks.

BRABUS Monoblock wheels in sizes ranging from 8.5J x 17″ to 10.5J x 20″ also play a major role in the exclusive BRABUS looks of the new CLS Shooting Brake. The OEM-quality alloy wheels are available in six different designs. The most exclusive version on offer features BRABUS Monoblock F, Q or R designs with a diameter of 20 inches. The latest addition to the wheel family is the BRABUS Monoblock R wheel with especially innovative design. Two sets of five double spokes are arranged in two plains. While the inner set of spokes is painted a “Liquid Titanium” shade, the outer spokes are diamond-polished and afterwards sealed with a smoke-colored clear lacquer, lending the wheel its very own character. The largest tires supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA for the 20-inch version come in size 255/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 295/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle.

The BRABUS suspension options are specifically calibrated to the use of sporty low-profile tires. They were developed in tandem with technology partner BILSTEIN. The lineup ranges from BRABUS sport springs to complete suspensions and the BRABUS suspension module that lowers the ride height of cars equipped with the semi-active AIRMATIC air suspension system by about 35 millimeters.

BRABUS offers the world’s largest program of performance tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The ECO PowerXtra D4 performance kit bumps the power output of the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY by 31HP (23 kW) and boosts peak torque to 560 Nm (446 lb-ft).

For the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY there is BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S tuning. Thanks to its plug-and-play design the auxiliary control unit can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz workshop and any BRABUS center of competence in less than 45 minutes.

As a special feature this high-tech performance tuning system allows the driver to influence the power yield through the selection of the transmission program of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox. In Eco mode only peak torque is increased, from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. This selection leaves the maximum power output unchanged. If sport mode is activated or gears are shifted manually, the increase in peak torque is accompanied by a boost in power output from 265HP (195 kW) to 313HP (230 kW) at a low 3,600 rpm. 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).

It goes without saying that BRABUS performance tuning is also available for the gasoline-powered versions of the CLS Shooting Brake. The BRABUS B50 – 500 performance tuning was developed for the V8 Biturbo engine of the CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. As the name indicates, this tuning kit produces 500HP (368 kW) and a peak torque of 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) and in conjunction with the BRABUS Vmax unit gives the wagon a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

Two ultra-powerful tuning options are available for the top-of-the-line CLS 63 AMG model. Both BRABUS power upgrades for the 5.5-liter eight-cylinder Biturbo engine comprise an auxiliary control unit for the engine electronics and an additional water-to-air intercooler powered by an auxiliary electric pump. In both cases the lower temperature of the charge air benefits not only power yield but also engine longevity even under extreme operating conditions. After the installation of the BRABUS B63 – 620 version the driver commands 619HP (455 kW) of power at a low 5,500 rpms. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 900 to 1.000 Nm (663 to 737 lb-ft), on tap between 2,250 and 3,750 rpm. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) that the car attains in conjunction with the BRABUS V/max unit.

As an ideal complement to the engine tuning, BRABUS offers a sport exhaust system with butterfly valve for the CLS 63. At the push of a button on the steering wheel the driver can switch between a discrete and quiet “Coming Home” mode and “Sport,” which produces a decidedly sporty exhaust note. The stainless-steel exhaust system also adds some visual highlights with its two beautifully styled ceramic-coated dual tailpipes.

For all other CLS engines BRABUS offers fully stainless-steel quad sport exhaust systems. The precision-calibrated exhaust systems also optimize power yield and produce a sportier exhaust note.

A BRABUS clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40% optimizes traction and handling in fast corners on all CLS versions.

All BRABUS engines are operated with MOTUL high-performance lubricants and like all BRABUS components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS limited tuning warranty of three years up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions, updated November 2006).

Exclusive interior design that leaves nothing to be desired is yet another BRABUS specialty that comes to life in the company upholstery shop. The product lineup for the new Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake ranges from attractive accessories to custom-tailored interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and highly durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara. Scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, a speedometer with 340-km/h or 400-km/h dial (211 or 250 mph) and the tables for the rear compartment that attach to the back of the front seats add sporty highlights as do decidedly sporty aluminum components such as pedal pads, door-lock pins and shift paddles for the steering wheel. High-end clear-coated carbon-fiber inlays for dashboard and center console in any desired color are also part of the program as are wood inlays in any desired color and with any desired grain.

To top it all off, BRABUS offers a custom-tailored multimedia concept for the five-door CLS – including the integration of an Apple iPad if desired.

Source: Brabus

October 9, 2012

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive [video]

Mercedes has released a new video clip of their Electric Drive SLS AMG Coupe model. The car runs through the paces at the Ascari race track in Malaga, Spain. It is very interesting to see, how the cars goes fast barely making a sound.

It boasts an exclusive blue paint (AMG electricbeam magno). The SLS AMG Electric Drive Coupe is powered by four electric motors with combined power of 740HP (552 kW) and 1000Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The range is up to 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge. The recharging time is just three hours with a rapid charger or 20 hours with a conventional outlet.

The car will actually hit the European market next year. The price is as staggering as the car itself – €416,500. Obviously Mercedes-Benz is trying to get a lot richer than before with such prices and models like SLS AMG Electric Drive and the new astonishing SL 65 AMG.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6HvXd9C-5A

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 9, 2012

2013 Volvo V40 R-Design and Cross Country – Pricing £22,295 and £22,595

Volvo Car UK has announced the pricing of the 2013 V40 R-Design and Cross Country models. The price starts from from £22,295 and £22,595, respectively and the manufacturer is now able to offer both a more sports inspired and a more rugged looking take on the V40.

The V40 R-Design has taken cues from its R-Design stablemates in the rest of the range, with a re-profiled front bumper and rear diffuser, five-spoke 17″ Ixion wheels, silver matt door mirrors, unique R-Design embossed nubuck upholstery, sports floor mats, sports steering wheel and pedals. In addition to this, as standard, the V40 R-Design benefits from a TFT crystal display screen with unique blue colouring, illuminated gear-knob, unique R-Design aluminium trim and vertical LED day-running lights.

Those wanting the ultimate in sports luxury can upgrade to the R-Design Lux, complementing the standard specification with active bending xenon headlights with cleaning system, rain sensor, leather-faced R-Design embossed seats, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

The V40 R-Design is available in the striking launch colour, Rebel Blue, unique to R-Design, along with six other colours.

Prices start from £22,295 for the D2 R-Design, still benefiting from class leading CO₂ emissions of 94g/km, up to the T5 Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav, available from £31,390.

The V40 Cross Country is Volvo‘s answer to those customers that want a small 5-door hatchback but with a more ‘off-road’ and rugged look. As standard, the Cross Country SE is offered with autofolding door mirrors with ground lights and black mirror covers, 16″ alloy wheels, rain sensor, textile/T-Tec upholstery, tread plates and silver roof rails.

The Cross Country can be further enhanced by specifying the Cross Country Lux version. This includes the ample specification of the SE, plus leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights, 17″ alloy wheels, LED day-running lights, rear reading and theatre lighting.

The V40 Cross Country is available from £22,595 for the D2 Cross Country SE, up to the T5 Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav with All-Wheel Drive, from £33,875.

Both models are available to order now and first customer deliveries will start to take place in January 2013

Source: Volvo

October 9, 2012

2013 SsangYong Korando Sports Pick-Up – Price £18,295

This new Korando Sports will appeal to those who need a working vehicle, the practicality of 4 wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 2.3 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car. Whether towing a work trailer or horsebox, ferrying the crew to site or the children to school, Korando Sports will meet a range of different demands.

“As you would expect from SsangYong, the new Korando Sports is both keenly priced and comprehensively equipped,” commented Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“From just £18,295 (incl VAT) you not only get a lot of vehicle for the money, but also a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its pick-up, which will give customers complete peace of mind.”, he added.

“SsangYong has a growing reputation for building extremely competent off-road vehicles, and the new Korando Sports builds on this pedigree. It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable vehicle, and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.”. Mr. Williams finished.

There are two trim levels from launch.

The SX is extremely well appointed and comes equipped with 16” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity.

The EX features the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors. A 6 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.

Korando Sports pricing

Prices including VAT
Korando Sports	SX	EX	EX auto
Basic price	£14,621	£16,037	£17,079
Delivery	£400	£400	£400
Net retail price	£15,021	£16,437	£17,479
VAT @ 20%	£3,004	£3,288	£3,496
Retail price	£18,025	£19,725	£20,975
First registration fee	£55	£55	£55
Road fund licence	£215	£215	£215
	£18,295	£19,995	£21,245

Prices excluding VAT
Korando Sports	SX	EX	EX auto
Basic price	£14,621	£16,037	£17,080
Delivery	£400	£400	£400
First registration fee	£55	£55	£55
Road fund licence	£215	£215	£215
	£15,291	£16,707	£17,750

Source: SsangYong

October 9, 2012

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid – Speed Record at Bonneville

After becoming the world’s fastest hybrid at Bonneville in August, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid LSR returned to the Salt Flats on October 5th to break the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) H/PS land speed record. The class is for production cars with engines of less than 1.5 liters that use forced induction.

Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago averaged 186.313 mph over two runs during the SCTA’s World Finals event, eclipsing the previous record by 18.8 mph. In the course of making his second run, Lago averaged 187.147 mph for the last mile, beating the magical 300 km/h mark. This is also the fastest run recorded by a hybrid, beating the185.394 mph set by the same car back in August.

“We’re very proud that the Jetta Hybrid has not only posted the fastest speed for a hybrid at Bonneville, but that it has gone out and broken an SCTA land speed record as well,” said Jonathan Browning, CEO and President, Volkswagen Group of America. “Achieving this record at Bonneville shows that the all-new 2013 Jetta Hybrid is a distinctly different offering in the compact hybrid class, offering excellent fuel economy while retaining the fun-to-drive nature expected from a Volkswagen.”

Lago drove a Jetta Hybrid specially modified to run in the SCTA’s H/PS class. The all-new 2013 Jetta Hybrid marries a 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® gasoline engine with a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electric motor. The combined output of the engine and electric motor is 170 horsepower, along with 184 pound-feet of torque.

Because the Jetta Hybrid runs in a production-car class, modifications are strictly controlled by the SCTA. The suspension was lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires fitted, and the interior was stripped and outfitted with full safety equipment, such as a rollcage, racing seat and harness, and a full fire suppression system. The powertrain is the area with the most freedom under the rules and was modified by Volkswagen R&D in Wolfsburg, Germany, in order to make the kind of horsepower needed to run at such high speeds at Bonneville-in this case, somewhere around 300 hp.

Project integration and other modifications to enable the car to run safely on the salt were handled by A-Salt Racing and Advanced Product Engineering, based in Camarillo, California. The implementation and final calibration of the drivetrain in the car was supported by the engineers from the Volkswagen Test Center California in Oxnard, CA.

“We are really proud that our new Jetta Hybrid has taken the land speed record for its class,” said Marc Trahan, Executive Vice President, Group Quality. “This was a fascinating project for our engineering team in Wolfsburg, who had to integrate the complex hybrid elements and generate a lot of additional power in a very short period of time in order to take the record. The Jetta Hybrid LSR project shows both the sporty nature of our hybrid offering and the technical excellence of our engineers in Wolfsburg and the Test Center California.”

Volkswagen chose to partner with Motor Trend because it is one of the premier automotive enthusiast outlets in the world, with 1.1 million subscribers to the magazine, 5.5 million unique visitors to motortrend.com per month, and an increasingly popular YouTube channel that has 405,000 subscribers. Carlos Lago, who drove the Jetta, said: “It was an honor to drive the car on the Salt-and also pretty exciting. Driving in a straight line may look easy, but it’s a real art to get the power down on the salt and you had better be paying attention to crosswinds, as they can really blow the car off course. Now I have the bug, I really want to become a member of the exclusive 200-mph club at Bonneville. Maybe next year?”

Source: Volkswagen

October 9, 2012

Petrolicious: Targa California [VIDEO]

Do you remember that last week a new exciting project named Petrolicious just popped up? The web platform aims to bring the attention on high quality content for vintage cars. The people working behind it promised that they are going to publish a new video every week.

We have to wait no longer, because the second footage, called “Targa California” is out. And if you are huge fan of vintage car, then you should probably know that the Targa California is a non-competitive rally event in its fourth running.

It includes classic vehicles prior to 1973 which rally through some of central California’s most beautiful places. In fact it is homage to the original Targa Florio race in Sicily. So here was where the Petrolicious crew stepped in and recorded this three-day event.

Driving in the middle of a pack of Porsche 356’s, Alfa Romeos, BMW 2002’s and other beauties in windy mountain roads is what you are up to see in this exciting video.

httpv://vimeo.com/50545152

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Petrolicious

October 9, 2012

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