Automobiles Review – Page 833 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Debut for 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 AWD

The new generation of Porsche 911 has been born. Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S are destined to offer dynamic advantages of the latest version of the active all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system.

Still keeping the rear-wheel drive, which is emblematic for the 911, the all-wheel drive chassis of the Carrera 4 and 4S delivers increased traction, road-holding and dynamic performance over a wide variety of road surfaces and in all weather conditions.

What is more, something very specific for the new Porsche models is that the rear wheel arches are extended further outwards by 22 mm. This allows a housing of rear tyres that are ten millimetres wider. The signature red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new visual identity.

The new trims are offered as both Coupe and Cabriolet models, where each model shares identical characteristics to the rear-wheel drive versions, including lightweight body design, suspension, engine choices and gearbox options. However, modifications were made which relate to the all-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the new aluminium-steel composite body construction saves 65 kg of the overall weight of the car. Therefore the new 911 Carrera 4 models also offer up to 16 per cent lower fuel consumption.

The 911s are equipped with seven-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) twin-clutch automatic transmission is available as an option here.

To go even further into details the 911 Carrera 4 includes a rear-mounted 3.4-litre flat-six engine generating 350 hp (257 kW), and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h only 4.5 seconds. For the Cabriolet version this is possible for 4.7 seconds. The top speed here is 177 mph. The fuel consumption with PDK here reach 32.8 mpg (203 g/km CO2) for the Coupé and 32.5 mpg (205 g/km CO2) for the Cabriolet.

On the other hand the 911 Carrera 4 S is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine which produces 400 hp (294 kW) and offers acceleration time (from 0 to 100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds. Again the Cabriolet is a little bit slower – it needs for that sprint 4.3 seconds. The top speed here is 186 mph. Fuel consumption with PDK is 31.0mpg (215 g/km CO2) for the Coupé and 30.7 mpg (217 g/km CO2) for the Cabriolet.

In addition, a new sliding glass sunroof is now available as an optional for all 911 Coupé models.

The new all-wheel drive with Porsche Traction Management system however isn’t the only innovation included here. As a standard equipment, all models feature full leather interior, 4.6-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS).

The Carrera 4 Coupe is priced from £77 924, and the Carrera 4S Coupe priced from £87,959. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet is priced from £86,583.00, and the Carrera 4S Cabriolet from £96,619.

Source: Porsche

August 27, 2012

2013 Subaru WRX STI with Engine Upgrade

The high-performance 2013 Subaru WRX STI, and in particular the WRX STI 340R model, is now offered with additional engine upgrade and high-performance All-Wheel Drive.

The new 340R delivers 340 hp (250 kW) and 490 Nm (362 lb-ft) of torque. This in fact means that the power has been enhanced with respectively 40 hp (30 hp) and 83 Nm (61 kW) over the standard WRX STI model. The result is that the 340R is now one of the fastest point-to-point cars on the road.

In details, the 340R power upgrade includes different ECU settings to allow the 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder Boxer engine to generate more power. In addition, the airflow has improved as a result of a new exhaust system.

More details here are that the new Subaru model can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It also benefits from the advanced All-Wheel Drive technology, Torsen rear differential, fully-independent front and rear suspension and four-door saloon practicality.

The price of 2013 Subaru WRX STI starts at £26 995.

Source: Subaru

August 27, 2012

2013 Seat Mii Auto with Automated Manual Gearbox

2013 Seat Mii Auto is the latest addition to the current Mii line-up. It not only offers generous space and versatility, but now is even more economical thank to the new automated manual gearbox it has.

In fact, the sequential transmission is extremely economical. Speaking in numbers, the result is that this Seat is 2.7 mpg more fuel efficient on average than the Mii Sport. The latter has the same 1.0-litre 75PS engine with a manual gearbox. In addition the CO2 emissions were also lowered.

To go even further into details, the Mii Auto, boasts average fuel consumption of 62.8mpg and a 105g/km CO2 rating, in comparison to the manual equivalent’s 60.1mpg and 108g/km. Based on the manual five speed gearbox, the automated version does away with a manually operated clutch, instead using an electric motor linked to a pair of electromechanical actuators in order to handle gear changes.

But what is the overall result? It is a gearbox with the operation of a traditional automatic transmission, but with light weight and compactness. However, this new gearbox is offered only with the 75PS (55 kW) engine and in SE trim. In terms of performance, the new Mii model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h for only 13.9 seconds. The top speed is 106 mph.

There are three gearbox settings the person behind the wheel can choose from: neutral (N), drive (D) and reverse (R). Here there aren’t included the “park” setting and “crawl” function. If the vehicle is switched off, while in drive mode, the first gear is automatically engaged. The driver has the option to manually select gears using the lever.

Moreover, being a SE specification, this car is equipped with 14-inch “Silva” alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, a gloss white dashboard panel, chrome dial and switch surrounds, and heated electric door mirrors, air conditioning, electric front windows, electronic stability control, remote central locking and six-speaker stereo.

2013 Seat Mii Auto is being offered in both three- and five-door body styles. Its starting price is £10 390.

Source: Seat

August 27, 2012

Nissan GT-R Boostlogic Godzilla vs AMS Alpha 12+

Dragtimesinfo has posted video with an epic battle between Nissan GT-R Boostlogic Godzilla and AMS Alpha 12+.

The GT-R Boostlogic Godzilla rides on Toyo R888 R20 racing tires. It is boosted to 25 psi (1.72 bar) pressure and runs on 93 octane pump fuel.

The other Nissan – AMS Alpha 12 also runs on regular 93 octane pump fuel and on the same tires. It generates around 1000HP, because its full power is unleashed on VP16 – 116 octane racing fuel.

Both drivers make a lot of flying starts from 100 km/h to around 300 km/h, but as it appears, the GT-R Boostlogic Godzilla is a lot faster than the AMS.

Enjoy the video!

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

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

August 27, 2012

VATH Mercedes-Benz E500 BI-TURBO

VATH has announced their performance package for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 500. The tuning company also offers a set of enormous wheels and some interior modifications.

The project name is V50s and features optimization of the engine electronics. The mighty 4.6 liter bi-turbo V8 produces 520HP (381 kW) and 810Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 300 km/h (186 mph).

VATH has also installed high-performance brake system including 390 mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers at the front.

VATH V50s stands on 9J x 20” three-piece forged wheels with 245/30 ZR20 tires at the front and 10.5J x 20” with 285/25 ZR20 tires at the rear.

The car is lowered thanks to the modified sports suspension – Mercedes Airmatic, that has comfortable and sport mode.

The exterior is also modified – a new front spoiler from carbon fiber, a radiator grille without the star and carbon fibre rear diffusor. The last touch is a discrete trunk lid spoiler also from carbon fiber.

The interior boasts a new sport steering wheel and VATH speedometer extension to 360 km/h.

The price for this pleasure (excl. the base vehicle) is €32,250.

Source: VATH

August 27, 2012

KW coilover kit for the new 2012 BMW 3-Series F30

The new BMW 3-Series – the F30 is exceptional car. It comes with better engines, nice aerodynamics and good material quality. Its sports nature is all over the car, but KW will add a little more aggressiveness with a special coilover kit Variant 3+ “inox-line” which is part of the worldwide Top-aftermarket products.

“In the new design of the KW coilover Variant 3+ we have integrated the compression adjustment wheel in the bottom of the housing. To adjust the rebound damping, the adjustment wheel has to be attached on top of the front axle piston rod.”, commented Johannes Wacker, KW Product Manager.

“For example when drivers replace the tire / wheel combination from BMW against a bigger tire set or if the dimension of the standard break system will be changed thru a performance modification, this can be considered when adjusting the rebound”,, he added.

The KW coilover kit Variant 3+ ensures already in basic setup an increase of the steering precision and tracking. Even at a lowering of up to 65 mm at the front and 60 mm at the rear axle in combination with 20” alloy wheels and Dunlop tires, the rolling comfort at the BMW F30 will not be affected.

KW also offers coilover kits Variant 1 and Variant 2, which are a lot softer, but still can be adjusted to give better performance.

All three KW coilovers for the BMW F30 are manufactured in long life stainless steel technology and allow a continuous lowering within the German TÜV-tested adjustment range of 40 – 65 mm at the front axle and 30 – 60 mm at the rear axle.

Source: KW

August 27, 2012

Lexus Teasing Hybrid Concept

Lexus-Coupe-Concept-Australia-medium The Australian International Motor Show will witness the reveal of a Lexus hybrid concept. Not your eveeyday boring hybrid that is. More like a 370+ kilowatt, all-wheel drive coupe. Just when you think we’ve seen the Lexus supercar Future, they slap us in the face with something new.

Actually, this one (whatever it will be called) is a followup project that stems from the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Concept that we saw back in Detroit, and we have nothing but praise for that one.

“We’ve pulled out all stops this year to secure a world first for Australia,” said Mr Cramb. “The Lexus concept is an absolutely stunning vehicle and is set to be one of the drawcards of the show.”

“The concept will highlight Lexus’ design and engineering expertise – marrying design with function to deliver a glimpse into the future of supercars,” he added.

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held this October and is expected to gain significant media attention thanks to surprise appearances such as this one.

Source: Lexus

August 27, 2012

Alfa Mito and Giulietta with new Sportiva Trim

Alfa Mito Sportiva - Rear View A new sporty trim level has just been added to Alfa Romeo’s MiTo and Giulietta ranges. The new trim has been named Sportiva and is released with the aim to deliver customers a car with luxurious sporty looks allied to fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Firstly, Alfa MiTo Sportiva includes the range of technology-packed features of the Distinctive trim. In addition it includes exclusive 18” Quadrifoglio Verde sports alloy wheels, sports kick plates, and Sportiva badges.

The interior of the MiTo Sportiva is in black and green theme with darkened interior headlining, and matte black steering wheel inserts accompanying a black leather steering wheel and handbrake, plus black Alcantara® sport seat upholstery. All is complemented by green stitching.

Alfa Mito Giulietta Sportiva - Side

Secondly, the Alfa Giulietta Sportiva builds on the Veloce trim level by adding oversized red Brembo™ brake callipers mounted inside 18” spoke design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish.

The practicality and style of this version are now improved by the new sports leather upholstery, the rear armrest with storage compartment and sport kick plates.

The Alfa MiTo Sportiva is available with three engine options: 875cc TB TwinAir 85 hp (63 kW), 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 hp (100 kW) and the 1.6 JTDM-2 120 hp (88 kW).

The Alfa Giulietta Sportiva is available with a choice of six engines including the new twin dry-clutch semi-automatic ALFA TCT.

The starting price of the Alfa MiTo Sportiva is £16 100, while the one of Alfa Giulietta Sportiva is £23110.

Source: Alfa Romeo

August 24, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h – UK Price £44 845

RX 450h competitor BIK tax comparisons

Model	RX 450h Luxury	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d SE Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Special Edition	Volvo XC90 D5 Executive Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi SE Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE
CO₂ (g/km)	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£48,495	£47,455	£43,990	£44,845	£45,170	£49,795
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£12,173	£19,152	£16,694	£18,560	£18,219	£20,549
3yr tax position vs RX 450h	–	+£6,979	+£4,522	+£6,388	+£6,046	+£8,376

Model	RX 450h F SPORT	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d M Sport Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Sport	Volvo XC90 D5 R-Design Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi S line Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6HSE
CO₂ g/km	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£51,995	£51,880	£48,490	£41,295	£46,065	£57,095
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£13,055	£20,957	£18,422	£17,069	£18,585	£23,615
3yr tax position vs RX 450h		+£7,902	+£5,368	+£4,014	+£5,530	+10,56

August 24, 2012

Prindiville Electric Hummer Limited Edition

Prindiville Electric Hummer Limited Edition is UK’s first customized luxury electric vehicle (EV). It is going to be produced in only 25 units. This EV has been designed for daily city commuter transport, commercial fleets, or businesses. In particular it was constructed on an intelligent lightweight chassis.

The Electric Hummer is powered by lithium-ion 72V drive system, which is linked to a two-speed transmission. The in-built drive system includes a fully integrated AC Brushless Motor powered by a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack for fast acceleration and a range of up to 60 miles (97 kilometres) on a full charge.

The ride comfort is provided by the fully adjustable four-wheel front and rear suspension, as well as adaptive rear drums and hydraulic front disc brakes.

The exterior of this model is in white-metallic and in addition includes carbon fibre detailing across the front hood storage compartment and flared wheel arches. The latter are flanked by the familiar chrome louver grille, steel plates, matt black window surrounds, and 15 or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Added safety comes courtesy of lockable double-skinned driver and passenger doors, and injection moulded LED front headlamps and rear taillights.

The interior on the other hand includes heated sports seats lined with alcantara and an elegant white trim.This is complemented by an LCD digital dash display indicating remaining battery power and speed amongst other key system functions, a twin cup holder, in addition to a Pioneer™ CD radio and MP3 in-car entertainment system complete with a slimline remote control.

The Limited Edition Prindiville Electric Hummer has a starting price of £25 000 or $40 000.

Source: Prindiville

August 24, 2012

RENNtech Mercedes-Benz CL 65 with Multi Spoke Forged Wheels in Silver Pearl

The latest project of RENNtech involved the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 model. The tuners have equipped the emblematic car with the lightest two-piece forged wheels on the market available.

They entirely change the stance of the white Mercedes-Benz, contributing to its more luxurious oulook. The multi spoke forged wheels are finished in a beautiful silver pearl enhancing the style and aggressiveness of the car.

The wheels measure 21″ front & rear in 9.0″ and 10.5″ widths respectively and feature a single barrel designed with each wheel manufactured using state-of-the-art processes. They are elegant but still sporty. In fact, this forged design includes much tighter tolerances than spun multi-piece wheels.

Of course, RENNtech have used only high quality materials to ensure that these wheels are superior to any 3-piece design. In addition, the utilized multi-spoke forged wheel offers ultra lightweight wheel with unmatched strength for the most demanding of performance driven enthusiasts.

Source: RENNtech

August 24, 2012

D2Forged Lexus IS-F MB1 Teased

D2Forged Lexus IS-F MB1 is the latest enhancement which the tuners from D2Forged Wheels have undertaken. However they have only released a teaser image of this beautiful Lexus with the promise to make for it a stunning photoshoot.

This Lexus IS-F is running on a set of brushed aluminum finished 20 inch D2Forged MB1 Monoblock Wheels. They perfectly complement the delightful blue finish on the car, don’t they?

The IS-F benefits from 5.0 liter naturally aspirated high-revving V8 engine, which delivers 423 PS (311 kW) and 505 Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph).

Source: D2Forged Wheels

August 23, 2012

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