Automobiles Review – Page 848 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Peugeot 301 – Designed for Bad Roads and Big People

Just by looking at it, the Peugeot 301 does not strike you as an exceptional off-roader. It’s not really an off-roader at all but it’s creators most certainly did focus on it’s terrain capability. It has been designed to withstand the harshest of road surfaces, the hottest and most humid climates or the coldest. The end result is a robust compact sedan that has had more than 4,000,000 km of testing behind its back.

Aside from the appealing engine range, the 301 offers some improve-my-driving-experience type of features. There is for example a running gear adapted for running on poorly surfaced roads. More screw fixings than normal all over the chassis, double seals for dust and humidity protection, a heated lower screen and an outstanding climate control unit.

It needs to be since you get a lot of space inside this seemingly compact sedan. We’ll let you decide how compact is a 4,44 m lump of metal. The 2.65 wheel base leaves room for quite a compartment.

Width at front elbows: 1,409 mm
Width at rear elbows: 1,395 mm
Leg room for the back seat: 121 mm
Boot volume: 640 liters

Sales are expected to begin from the 1st of November in Turkey. Then the network will start to expand covering Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, the Maghreb, the Middle East, the Gulf States and African countries. Latin American and Chinese markets are also expected to get some of the action.

Source: Peugeot

July 23, 2012

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition

In the not so distant 2002, Smart and the tuning company Brabus founded a joint company, and since then they have developed numerous premium models. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the alliance, they have created a unique and exclusively equipped “10th anniversary” special edition model.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th anniversary Special Edition will be limited to 100 units and will offer numerous exclusive highlights. The Smart is based on the current Smart Fortwo BRABUS production model with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 147 Nm (200 lb-ft). It has a top speed of 155 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

To go further into details, the “10th anniversary” edition is painted in liquid silver. In details, the tridion safety cell, body panels including front grille and the door mirrors of the special edition model, the front spoiler and side skirts in the styling package, are painted in liquid silver.

Further exterior features include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear. Additional exterior accents include titanium-colored headlamps and red BRABUS logos at the front and rear.

The interior is of course distinctively made as well. It is characterized by a black leather interior with high-quality hand stitching. The trim parts are painted in an exclusive red and the contrast components and seat console come in black.

2012 Brabus Smart 10th Anniversary Special Edition Interior

The standard equipment of the new Brabus includes the comfort and light package, heated seats, electric power steering, LED daytime driving lights, audio and navigation system and BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels in matt grey.

Smart Brabus GmbH is a joint venture between Smart and Brabus and stands for premium automotive enhancement. In the past ten years more than 50 000 lucky customers benefited from the vehicles produced by the cooperation of the both companies. In fact, 2011 was the most successful year up to date when more than 10 000 Smart Fortwos were customized by Brabus.

Source: Smart

July 23, 2012

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid Delivers 550-Mile Range [VIDEO]

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid is expected to achieve great results. First it is promised to run more than 20 miles of electric-only range. Secondly, a 550-mile drive will be the overall range of the car.

In addition, Ford’s new vehicle delivers great combined fuel economy of 95 mpg. In details, C-MAX Energi operates just like a traditional hybrid. However it has two key differences: owners must plug in the vehicle using its charge port and C-MAX Energi has a larger battery pack.

C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi figure prominently in Ford’s rollout of five electrified vehicles this year. Ford’s other electrified vehicles include:

C-MAX Energi also advantages from 20 years of research and innovation in terms of software and hardware technology. In fact, the vehicles powersplit technology comprises of more than 200 patents alone.

The C-MAX Energi is able to generate total 188 hp (138 kW) which come from the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Energi uses the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine.

The advanced lithium-ion battery in C-MAX Energi is charged via plug-in, the vehicle is able to achieve increased electric mode and total range. In addition the lithium-ion batteries are lighter, more efficient and more powerful than nickel-metal hydride batteries, which were used back in the days when Ford made the first-generation hybrids.

C-MAX Energi benefits from the latest generation of SmartGauge® with EcoGuide as well. It was created in order to help drivers get the most important information such as instantaneous fuel economy. It is displayed on one of two 4.2-inch LCD screens.

2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is already available to order with a starting price of $25 995.

Source: Ford

July 23, 2012

Fiat 500 Now More Colourful

One of the most popular “mini” cars in the world, the Italian Fiat 500 city car, which recently achieved great market sales results, has been further enhanced. The iconic Fiat has been additionally improved with a range of bold new exterior colors and upgraded interior trims.

To be more precise, six stunning new colors are now available for the Fiat 500 range, they are namely: Countrypolitan Yellow, New Age Cream, Groove Metal Grey, Epic Blue, Chillout Purple and Idol Pink metallics.

Furthermore, the interior is now complemented with New Chocolate brown/Ivory fabric and Grey/Black fabric interior trim. They better match the exterior. In addition to them, new two-tone leather trims will be available at the end of the year, substituting the current leather finishes.

Other design upgrades include a new ‘short-fin design’ antenna and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Fiat 500 price begins at £9960.

Source: Fiat

July 23, 2012

Through the eGarage lens: Concorso Italiano 2010

Concorso-Italiano-thumb This year’s Concorso Italiano event is less than a month away so that explains why at eGarage want to throw us back a couple of years ago when they filmed this. The Concorso Italiano is like comic-con for gear heads, a bowl of Italian goodness, a mingle of pesto that’s been made of the finest herbs around. It all sounds very exotic, but actually it;s most commonly held in California.

The clip we have here is a director’s cut from 2010. That explains the absence of the Ferrari FF for example or the acrobatic photographers around the Ferrari 458 Italia – still hot from the factory. Then there’s the F430 Scuderia which is equally impressive. But the Concorso is not all about Ferraries and what’s hot. There are Countaches, Alfa-Romeos, F40s and the lot. It’s not always necessary about cars as well.

Be on the look out for this year’s Concorso Italiano which will be held at August the 17th at Monterey California.

For now though, just enjoy this not-old-enough-to-be-a-classic video but definitely a worthy one.

httpv://vimeo.com/46009568

Source: eGarage

Video Source: eGarage via Vimeo

July 22, 2012

Ford GT HRE Wheels and eGarage [VIDEO]

“It’s now what you say, it’s how you say it”, that’s what my girlfriend always tells me in an argument. I guess she has a valid point and that the same phenomena can be observed elsewhere. Cinematography for example: It’s not what you film, it’s how you film it. That brings us to the storytellers at eGarage.com. What they can do with a Ford GT and four HRE Wheels is evident in this clip which came up recently.

I personally am not a fan of the Ford GT. I see it more as heap of aluminum, lingering in the shadow of it’s own predecessor (the Ford GT40). Sure, the new one has many new and unique technologies (i.e. – a capless fuel filler system so that you don’t strain yourself every time you stop for a refill… which happens a lot). It also has a punchy twin supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine which puts out 550 hp and 678 Nm of torque at just 3750 rpm – very muscle-like. The Ford GT sounds nice too and apparently, it looks like a Ferrari or something as well. Yet somehow it never really caught on. Or maybe that’s just me being bitter.

Either way, this one in the clip has been modified only in the wheel compartment. HRE Monoblok P44SC wheels from the P40SC line with a V-Five 10 spoke design and a bronze finish. A finish appropriate on a memorial.

httpv://vimeo.com/40067165

Source: eGarage

Video Source: eGarage via Vimeo

July 21, 2012

2013 Koenigsegg Agera R under the lights of DRIVE [VIDEO]

Sweden’s hypercar Koenigsegg, particularly the latest 2013 Koenigsegg Agera R, is the star in the 30 minute film below. Hidden in the backwoods of Angelholm Sweden, the company Koenigsegg is designing and manufacturing one of the rarest and most exciting vehicles on earth.

In this video, J.F. Musial tours the factory, which is based on a former Swedish Airbase, while taking a ride in an Agera R on foggy runway.

In addition , the inventor, entrepreneur and owner of the company – Christian von Koenigsegg, speaks about what inspired him to create this iconic hypercar, what part does he take in the process of creation and many more facts and details which were previously hidden from the large public.

The car manufacturer is also developing leading engine and fuel technologies which have the goal to enhance the fuel economy and power output in all types of vehicles.

If you remember the Agera R debuted at this years Geneva Motor Show, and showcased that it was the result of brands endless pursuit for perfection.

With its 1140 horsepower (838 kW) and 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) Agera R is able to achieve the incredible top speed of approximately 440 km/h (273 mph). Lets take a look how J.F. Musial actually experience that much amount of power:

httpv://youtu.be/qp_qxKWMsVw

Video Source: YouTube

July 21, 2012

Aston Martin Rapide 4 Door by Kahn Design

News from Kahn Design. This time, the car that has gone under the knife is a 4-door Aston Martin Rapide. Even though owning a stock one yourself is a statement enough that you are an open-minded, fun and classy executive, things can go even further. That’s true if you ask someone at Kahn.

We say knife but actually the “styling package” consists mostly of matte black painted elements – the front bumper grille mesh, the hood and fender vents, the brake calipers. The exhaust system is new, we’ll give them that. Also, thanks to a set of lowering springs, the ground clearance is less of a thing now. Good for handling then. Probably the most noticeable work done here involves the wheels – Kahn 21” RSX-F pieces in platinum silver finish.

Is the power of the Kahn Aston Martin Rapide up by some points? We don’t know but still, a coat of matte paint won’t bodge down the stock 470 bhp that come out of the saloon’s 6.0-liter V12 engine.

This being Kahn Design which profess individuality, uniqueness and style etc, the interior trim is rather flexible. This one here however has some Alcantra on the wheel and on the sporty binnacle behind. The rest of the Aston Rapide‘s upholstery is left to the creamy leather.

Source: Kahn Design

July 21, 2012

First teaser for “BLACK AIR: The Buick Grand National Documentary” released

If you haven’t heard already about the “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary“, well it is a 60-minute film about Buick’s premier but paradoxical mid 80’s performance car. The film is to be released soon; nevertheless the teaser for it has just been released.

The director of the awaited movie is Andrew Filippone Jr., who had the inspiration to create the documentary about the Buick Regal Grand National. It was a strange and peculiar misfit.

Although it carried the name Buick, the Grand National was too quick and too rough to stay under this name. There was something about it which made it stand out among other cars.

"Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary" — “Black Air: The Buick Grand National Documentary”

Despite the fact that it had roots of the Buick Regal, it was able to have an astonishing straight-line 0-60 mph acceleration. Nothing in the mid 80s could match it. However, the same roots didn’t give the vehicle a chance to be accepted seriously.

Its emblematic boxy design was something very typical for example. Other shortcomings were its mediocre chassis, an undersized engine, an electronically limited top speed, and an unremarkable pedigree.

On the other hand its six cylinders and an intercooled turbo made the vehicle remarkable. Remembered with its fierce black paint, the Grand National became a legend. In fact, in the fineal year of the production of the Buick, outfitted in GNX trim, it was the quickest production car in the U.S. It was able to reach the acceleration sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds.

Although no one believed that it could achieve this acceleration, test after test proved it. But there remained the question, how could a Buick achieve this. Where did it come from? Where did it fit?

The documentary answers those questions and even more. The people who built the car, who wrote about the car, and who own the car, speak about and about their experience with the Grand National.

Some of the included voices are Lloyd Reuss, the Buick General Manager who launched the Grand National project; Tony Assenza, the “Car and Driver” Editor who dubbed the GNX an “ax-wielding barbarian”; and Richard Clark, the renowned owner, enthusiast, and collector.

The last example of the Grand National was built on 11th of December 1987, and twenty-five years later, Black Air arrives to commemorate this landmark car.

httpv://vimeo.com/27452222

News and Video Source: Vimeo

July 20, 2012

Audi celebrates 250th quattro-equipped model with the new Audi Q3

250th quattro-equipped model variant of Audi Q3 has just be introduced. This is the latest TDI version of acclaimed compact SUV, named Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro.

Thanks to its 2.0-litre TDI engine the Audi generates 140 hp (103 kW) at 4,200rpm and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,200rpm. Given these numbers it is no surprise that the 0-62 mph sprint is achieved in only 9.9 seconds. Its top speed is 122mph and has a combined fuel consumption of MPG 49.6 and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

Furthermore the new 250th model’s engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and in addition includes invaluable all-weather traction aid, which in fact is a new feature of the Q3.

The basic model of the Audi SUV runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and also includes rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, preparation for SD card navigation, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors.

The vehicle will be available in two trim lines – SE and S, where the second one adds to the standard specifications larger 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.

Other optional equipment feature “steerable beam” adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.

As expected the vehicle inside is very roomy and offers seating for up to five adults. Moreover, it can accommodate load bay delivering up to 1,365 litres of capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats. The Q3 also includes the recently launched adaptive air suspension.

Audi on all fours– summer rain calls for the reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive, which is favoured by around 30 per cent of Audi customers. They can now add the latest Q3 2.0 TDI quattro 140PS, priced from £26,510 OTR, to the list of 250 quattro-equipped choices.

The new Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro has a starting price of £26 510.

Source: Audi

July 20, 2012

1 000th Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 produced

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 has just marked an important milestone in its history, with the 1,000th vehicle produced. The Argos Orange Lamborghini, which has a chassis number 1,000, is destined to be driven in Germany and has just rolled off the assembly line.

The lucky owner is the German architect Hans Scheidecker, has just received the keys of the car from Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.

Hans Scheidecker and Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann

Introduced just in 2011 the Aventador has taken just one year and three months to achieve the milestone of producing the 1000th vehicle. This means that the average number production of the supercars is 4.5 a day.

LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AQD system.

As a matter of fact, just more than a year from its official debut, the Aventador has been awarded with 36 international prizes, praising its design and innovative technological solutions.

Source: Lamborghini

July 20, 2012

2013 Lexus LS teaser image released

A Facebook teaser image of the new 2013 Lexus LS has just been officially released. We can get a hint of the shape and lines of the new impatiently expected vehicle.

Having a glimpse, we are looking forward to the official unveil of the new Lexus car, which will take place in San Francisco on 30th of July.

We are to be teased even more, because more detailed picture of the new sedan is to be expected next week.

What is sure for now is that the new LS is going to be powered by its V8 engine and that the model line up will consists from the versions LS 460, LS 460 L (long wheelbase), LS 600h L and the entirely new LS 460 F Sport.

2013 Lexus LS [Teaser] — 2013 Lexus LS (Teaser)

Source: Lexus

July 20, 2012

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