Automobiles Review – Page 839 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

SR Auto Joint Venture for the Lamborghini Murcielago

SR-Auto-Inspired-Autosport-Murcielago-medium Remember that carbon fibery goodness from Mansory we talked about a while back? Well, this… is not related at all. It is as matte black as charcoal so that’s something. Oh, and it’s a Lamborghini Murcielago – a bit outdated, a bit crude and essentially, a timeless icon.

For this one, SR Auto apparently needed some help so they turned to the fellow Canadian company Inspired Autosport. But for what exactly did they need help, remains undisclosed. Literally, the only two things out of the ordinary with this Murcielago is the paint job and the wheel set. And they are not even domestic – PUR 1NE monoblocks.

The end result? A 631 hp naturally aspirated V12 batmobile, cleverly disguised as a Lamborghini Murcielago that’s capable of a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds – stunning figures for it’s time and age. It’s power is transmitted to all fours through an Audi-ish AWD system and through a 6-speed manual/semi-automatic.

Source: SR Auto

August 14, 2012

Height adjustable KW coilover spring kit for Dodge Challenger SRT8

KW-Dodge-Challenger-medium It’s common knowledge that muscle cars excel in power and grunt where they lack in suspension and control. And that, can ruin the whole car for some enthusiasts. Luckily, there these guys known as aftermarket tuners. Some of them are official, like the ones that are behind the SRT8 brand. So take this Dodge Challenger SRT8 for example. It has 431 PS and an adaptive damper system – powerful and sophisticated. But at KW Automotive think they can do better.

So now a set of KW coilover springs works on top of the adaptive suspension. As a result, one can regulate the continuous lowering of the Dodge – 5 – 25 mm at the rear axle and 0 – 25 at the front. Regardless of the mode, Auto or Sport, the steering response will always be crisp and dynamic thanks to the lowered center of gravity.

Even if your Dodge Challenger is from the olden days and does not employ an adaptive damper system, there’s a way to enjoy the products of KW. A continuous lowering kit that goes further by 65 mm. It is also rebound adjustable. KW-Dodge-Challenger-medium-1

Source: KW Automotive

August 14, 2012

Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe [Teaser]

Hamann-Motorsport is going soon to reveal a big surprise for all BMW fans around the world and it is namely the Hamann BMW F06 Gran Coupe. The German based tuning company has only released a teaser image of the upcoming project, but still it is worth the attention.

The tuners are about to release an upgrade kit for the new BMW 6-Series Gran-Coupe (F06). Given that this model is one of the most beautiful cars in the world, there is no doubt that the upcoming upgrade is going to look even more astonishing.

There is no current information about any changes to the power. However, the production model is able to generate enough thanks to its TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 313 hp (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm of torque at just 1500RPM.

This means that the Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds achieving its top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Simply great performance for a car weighing 1865 kg, isn’t it?

In fact, this is BMW’s first four-door coupe, which combines the elegancy and sportiness of a classic grand tourer and still delivering the space and ease of access of an executive saloon.

Picture Source: Hamann via Facebook

August 13, 2012

Mercedes-Benz A-Class wins AUTO BILD Design Award

The inspiring new design the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has put great impression over readers of the leading car magazine AUTO BILD. In a poll, in which participated around 100 000 readers, the new progressive model have been voted most attractive car.

But this is not all. The new A-Class got the award for the best car in its segment. In fact, the winners of the AUTO BILD Design Award are traditionally judged only by the readers’ personal likes.

The new Mercedes-Benz model stood out among 136 current models in five categories. The brand also got another first place in this top-ranking automotive beauty contest with the M-Class, which the AUTO BILD readers voted the most attractive contender in the SUV/Vans/All-wheel drive category.

We must admit that the completely and radically redesigned new A-Class opened a totally new chapter in the compact class this year. Moreover, we are sure that it will set new standards for the upcoming new generation of vehicles in its class.

No wonder that the A-Class grabbed so many hearts since its launch. Just look at the dynamic sporting exterior, which is more distinctive than ever and which conveys powerful presence. In addition, it is complemented to perfection by an innovative interior exuding a particularly high-quality feel.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 13, 2012

Lexus IS F CCS-R finishes second at Pikes Peak

Lexus IS F CCS-R has finished second in its class at its first attempt at Pikes Peak hill climb. The Lexus team had run over a 20-kilometre course consisting of 156 turns – concluding at 14,110 feet above sea level.

In fact, it is interesting to assume that the thin air at the summit of Pikes Peak robs vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power. However, the pilot behind the wheel – US racer Ken Gushi, has completed the feat in 11 minutes, 35.17 seconds. This made him second in class behind a lightweight V12 race car.

The car driven in this competition debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010. In order to be suitable for the race, the vehicle is modified and includes enhancements in terms of performance.

In details, some of them feature lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details as well as polycarbonate windows. These help reducing the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg.

In addition, this Lexus also has a reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system. The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 of the IS F that generates 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (373 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

LEXUS IS F CCS-R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 2730mm, Overall length: 4759mm, Overall width: 1815mm, Overall height: 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight: 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation: 2UR-GSE, Displacement: 5.0-litre, Power: 311kW @ 6,600rpm, Torque: 505Nm @ 5,200rpm, Fuel system: SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive, Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint, Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage), Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator, Polycarbonate windows, Lightweight doors

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR: 18×8.5J, offset 30 front; 18×9.5J, offset 40 rear; Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres: 245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hoses

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

August 13, 2012

Audi featuring Ducati at Pikes Peak

Audi-RS5-Pikes-Peak-medium So that’s what the big Audi surprise is. A tag team on the Pikes Peak climb that consists of an RS5 and a Ducati Multistrada 1200 – a celebration of the two franchises’ coming together (Audi buying Ducati). A union then, between the sensible Germans and the passionate Italians – always a recepie for a success.

Here’s an energetic clip that showcases the representatives. To an everyday normal person, the Ducati is essentially a bike. To us however, it is some sort of a strange car that’s been deprived of two of its wheels. Quite a far fetched misconception, but is it really? This is a Multistrada 1200 Ducati which boasts a 1.2-liter liquid-cooled engine that produces 150 hp. It also has a 6-speed transmission and a wet, hydraulic multi-plate slipper clutch. On the 2012 models, ABS is standard and there’s an engine mode switcher the regulates the power output. All of that grunt and sophistication may sound over the top, but.. it does even more so when we take into consideration that the Multistrada weighs just 190 kg when dry. Ducati-Pikes-Peak-medium-1

There’s doesn’t seem to be anything special, special about the RS5 which is still an impressive head-turner and stomach churner. That is, nothing special beyond that body work which is styled, alongside with the theme of the Multistrada, to represent at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Also, on a side not, Audi will be donating at the “Battle the Blaze” fund which has been established by the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb organizers to help the wildfire-ravaged community surrounding Pikes Peak.

httpv://youtu.be/x_Mk3IwEBiY

Video Source: AudiofAmerica via YouTube

August 13, 2012

Overfinch Range Rover GTS-X

Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium

More pictures of the Overfinch Range Rover GTS-X have been relased so we can safely say that it’s now official.

If we manage to neglect the fact that the GTS-X is orange, we might have the chance to appreciate it’s other, more prominent features. Take the wheels for example – 22” forged “Titan” alloys, beefed up Brembo vented and drilled 380 mm disks, a lowering module and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, the seats are all black leather with carbon fiber patches and a contrast orange stitching. The headlining, door cards, mats, pillars and the dashboard surround share the same theme. The steering wheel, with its flat bottom is also material and color coordinated. The instruments also correspond to the overall GTS-X appeal.

Most importantly however, through some ECU magic, the Overfinch Rangie’s 5.0-liter supercharged engine churns out 575 bhp. An Overfinch exhaust system with switchable valve release makes sure you know all of that.

Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium-4

Source: Overfinch

August 11, 2012

2013 Honda Accord Debut

2013-Honda-Accord-medium Introducing the 2013 Honda Accord and Accord Sedan which now boast a revised exterior that’s been “designed to stand the test of time”. More space inside is also promised. No word about the oily bits so for now we’ll just have to make do with the design ques

Starting off with a redesigned grille, Honda accent on the sporty DNA of the family. That way the hood with its many lines and curves is also being complemented. Further back to the sides, a sense of emotion comes largely from the distinctive line that goes through the door handles and flares upward toward the rear. Another line defines the rocker panel and makes a clever little swoosh towards the end. At the back, an inward slope at the top of the fenders, leaves a curvy and purposeful stance. 2013-Honda-Accord-medium-1

Inside, through the use of some Feng shui, more passenger and luggage space has been created. At the same time, both the 2013 Coupe and Sedan are actually shorter than previous models. “This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. “Following Honda’s long-held philosophy of ‘man maximum, machine minimum,’ the beautiful exterior evolved from a focus on interior space and the needs of the people inside it.”

More information about the new Accord will be brought this fall right before the official release.

Source: Honda

August 11, 2012

Jaguar F-Type to Debut in Paris

Jaguar-F-Type-teaser-medium

Great news! The Jaguar F-Type – the first sportish car Jaguar have made in a long time – is coming at us this fall. We already saw it camouflaged at the 2012 Goodwood festival of speed but now, the aluminum 2-seater will be completely revealed at the Paris Motor Show on the 27th of September.

Curiously enough, the F-Type will be available as an open top only and there will be a choice in power – 340 PS or 380 PS. Both figures are coming from Jaguar’s all-new 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Then, there will be the derivative of the exciting supercharged 5.0-liter V8. For whichever version you go, you’ll always end up with an eight-speed gearbox that sends the power to the rear wheels. Oh… and a Stop/Start system as well.

The current prototypes are being thoroughly tested through hell and ice since the virtual testing yielded 300 and counting TB of data. More than 10-million CPU hours of processing had gone into the design analysis.

Said Ian Hoban, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director commented: “When you are working on a Jaguar sports car the expectations of the world are huge. We’re really pleased how the attributes have translated from the virtual simulation work we’ve done into the physical world.

“Now, we’re refining and adding those last few percentage points – that true element of honing which the Jaguar test team are delivering – which will turn a great sports car into an exceptional one.”

Source: Jaguar

August 11, 2012

2013 Mercedes E63 AMG powered by Hennessey – Dyno Testing [HD video]

Hennessey Performance has released a video with their tuned 2013 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. The mighty saloon received full performance package caller HPE700 and as you may suggest, it produces 700HP.

The 2013 E63 AMG is powered by a newly developed 5.5 liter twin-turbocharged V8 originally producing 525HP (386 kW) and 557HP (410 kW) with the AMG Performance Package. The torque is 700Nm (516 lb-ft) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), respectively.

However, the HPE700 E63 AMG has 700HP (522 kW) at 5200RPM and whopping 1083Nm (800 lb-ft) of torque at just 3800RPM. The interesting thing is that power is achieved with 93 octane fuel, which is great.

The HPE700 performance package includes a new air induction system, a full engine management system, which is carefully calibrated.

There are also other nice upgrades like sets of big alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, carbon fiber trim accessories and sport suspensions.

The tuning program is offered with a 3-year or 36,000 mile limited warranty.

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

Source: HPEdesign via Youtube

August 10, 2012

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 by Kahn Design

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 is probably the best GT car in the world. It is powered by an enormous naturally aspirated V12 in the front, rear wheel drive and perfect weight distribution. All this combined with the unmatched style and beauty of Ferrari.

However, Afzal Kahn reworked a lot of elements of this “perfect” vehicle.

The exterior boasts nice Nero Daytona paint and a complete aerodynamics package including new front and rear bumpers, wing shields and yellow brake calipers. There are also other upgrades like ceramic brakes and upgraded F1 gearbox delivering better performance.

The interior is also stunning – nero Daytona leather electric sports seats and fully customized inside elements.

The tuned 599 GTB Fiorano F1 stands on a set of 9J x 21” at the front and 12J x 22” Monza forged wheels finished in the colour of your choice.

Dedicated to the creation of luxury bespoke vehicles, we redesign the ordered monotony of mass produced vehicles and rebuild them into individually tailored creations.

This particular car is available for £88,875.

Source: Kahn Design

August 10, 2012

1970’s Style Fiat 500 range

Fiat has announced the new Colour Therapy range, which is designed to bring back the spirit of the 1970s with a collection of vibrant colours and retro white detailing. The Colour Therapy is positioned between the highly popular 500 Pop and Lounge specifications.

“The special colours and stylish new touches will make the Fiat 500 an even more attractive proposition for our customers,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“Tasteful features such as the white door mirror covers and ‘poolball’ design gear knob in matching colour, take the popular 500 to a new level, showing just how timeless this classic city car really is.”, she added.

Available in both hatchback and convertible versions, and with 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol engines, the cars come in five special paint colours: New Age Cream, Countrypolitan Yellow, Pasodoble Red, Volare Blue, and Tech House Grey.

The mid-range Colour Therapy includes AC, special paint, white mirror covers, white wheel covers, a ‘poolball’ design gear knob and specific key cover as standard. It costs £800 more than the entry-level Pop, but adds more than £1000 worth of extra equipment.

The Fiat 500 Colour Therapy range starts at £10,760 for the 1.2 Colour Therapy and goes up to to £14,510 for the 500C 0.9-litre Colour Therapy TwinAir.

$1970\'s Style Fiat 500 range$

Source: Fiat

August 10, 2012

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