Automobiles Review – Page 849 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 1 and 2 [VIDEO]

The Mustang RTR package is not what you’d call a “genuine” after-market love child. Not because it’s insufficient but because it’s actually offered at Ford dealerships. That makes it pretty official, despite being conceived by Vaughn Gittin Jr. – World Champion drifter and Mustang fanatic. Classic Design Concepts helped shape Mr. Gittin shape his dream of a better, more powerful, more appealing and more exciting pony. Will the 2013 Ford Mustang RTR hit the spot?

The package is divided into two stages:

Spec 1 can go on the V6 or the V8 model thus adding some flare with a rear spoiler a front chin…a license plate surround with ducts in it (what?) and some badges on the sides and at the back. Optionally you can go with the special RTR signature graphics that shoo away dullness.

It’s not all hips and thighs though. An RTR Axleback exhaust system adds 9 hp while Ford Racing 1” lowering springs hunker down the whole car. That leaves just enough space in the wheel arches for 9.5 x 19 RTR wheels wrapped in high performance Falken FK 453 tires.

Inside, one gets some more badges, embroidered floor mats an RTR shift knob and a serial plate that indexes the number of your Mustang RTR and also bare Mr. Gittin’s signature.

That was for Spec 1. Spec 2 (V8 only) goes the extra mile and adds a rear diffuser and rocker splitters which will presumably provide even more downforce. That’s why it only seems logical to add a bit more power – 16 hp coming from a Ford Racing Tune and a K&N air filter. Not exactly groundbreaking but the RTR Mustang is no longer a straight road muscle car. Thanks to some Ford Racing adjustable shocks, Ford Racing upper shock mounts, RTR adjustable front and rear sway bars, cross drilled and slotted rotors and some RTR rear chassis support, you can go side ways all day and still not need a pelvis transplant.

Not convinced? Here’s a video with some smooth camera angles, a cool track and a 2013 Ford Mustang RTR doing some eye-candy stuff:

httpv://youtu.be/LRmWlo7zmc8

Video source: MustangRTR via YouYube

July 20, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Pricing Announced

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is the next innovative luxury vehicle from the brand, which combines the proportions of the five-door coupe and a roof which continues through to the rear.

The new Shooting Brake is currently making its debut and at the same time is available to order. According to Mercedes-Benz this model has the potential to become the icon for a new market segment.

What is very special of this vehicle and grabs the attention immediately is the extravagant and unique designo wooden luggage compartment floor, which serves to underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior.

To go further into details, the floor of the luggage compartment was made from American cherry tree wood. The veneer sheets were glued and pressed together by hand in five cross-bonded layers. This of course is made with the purpose to achieve high dimensional stability.

The innovative lighting system of dynamic LED High Performance headlamps is also available for the CLS Shooting Brake. In addition, more than a dozen driving assistance systems in the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle enhance the security of the car. Some of the include Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS, BAS PLUS and the PRE SAFE® Brake.

The entry-level model in the Shooting Brake range is the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY which generates 150 kW (204 hp) and has a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions here are 139 grams per kilometre.

Above this model are the two six-cylinder models – the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, which produces 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, which in turn produces 225 kW (306 hp).

The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY has a V8 biturbo engine. Thanks to it the CLS 500 generates 300 kW (408 hp). In addition, two models are also available with all-wheel drive: the CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and the CLS 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.

Furthermore, there will be released a special edition version of the model named CLS Shooting Brake “Edition 1”. It will be available only for a limited period of one year following its market launch.

The Edition 1 includes some special featues such as designo magno allanite grey matt paint finish, designo platinum white pearl leather appointments, floor mats with “Edition 1” lettering, black designo roof liner and aluminium pedals. Three alternative paint finishes are also available to choose from: obsidian black metallic, palladium silver metallic or cavansite blue metallic.

More importantly, the Edition 1 is distinguished by powertrain figures of 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

At last, but not least, the most dynamic model in the Shooting Brake range is the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. This one has an AMG V8 biturbo engine which generates 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque. It is equipped with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

The market launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake is scheduled for 6th of October this year.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Pricing:

Model	Displacement	Transmission	Output	CO2 emissions	Price
Diesel engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
CLS 250 CDI BE*	2143 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	150 kW (204 hp)	139 g/km	€61,761
CLS 350 CDI BE*	2987 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	195 kW (265 hp)	159 g/km	€65,628.50
CLS 350 CDI 4MATIC BE*	2987 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	195 kW (265 hp)	174 g/km	€68,365.50
Petrol engine, direct injection, Euro 5 emission class
CLS 350 BE*	3498 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	225 kW (306 hp)	169 g/km	€66,818.50
CLS 500 BE*	4663 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	300 kW (408 hp)	214 g/km	€82,229
CLS 500 4MATIC BE*	4663 cc	7 G-TRONIC PLUS	300 kW (408 hp)	229 g/km	€84,966
CLS 63 AMG	5461 cc	AMG Speed-shift MCT	386 kW (525 hp)	235 g/km	€117,512.50

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 19, 2012

First Ever Chrome Lexus LFA debuts at MotorEx

A chrome version of the emblematic Lexus LFA is going to make its debut at the Meguiar’s MotorEx this Saturday. The supercar which costs $700 000 is owned by an Australian and he in fact has taken their vehicle to the extreme – wrapping it in one-of-a-kind chrome exterior!

This makes the vehicle the firs LFA in the world to receive the chrome treatment. Therefore it will literally become the “shining star” of the MotorEx event, making company to hundreds of modified, tuned and collectible vehicles.

In particular the Lexus LFA is unique and powerful, harmonious lightweight vehicle, which includes an advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork. Thanks to the latter it has a light, incredibly strong and highly rigid structure.

In fact, sixty-five per cent of LFA’s body structure is made from carbon fibre. The remaining thirty-five percent stay for the aluminium.

More importantly, the supercar is powered by its bespoke 4.8-litre V10 engine, which is able to generate 560 hp (412kW) of power and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.

This makes possible for the Lexus to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, and is capable of revving from idle to a redline of 9,000rpm in just 0.6 seconds. The top speed of the LFA is 325km/h.

Source: Lexus

July 19, 2012

Debut of Rimac Concept One

Rimac Concept One – the electric hyper car, will make its first world appearance at this year’s Salon Privé. The event is UK’s most prestigious Supercar Event.

The car is indeed exceptional, and of course its price is even more exceptional. Because it costs $1 000 000 only 88 examples of the sensational vehicle be produced. Among the people who team who stays behind the design and engineering of this concept car includes designers who used to work for the fabled Italian styling house Pininfarina and top Bulgarian leatherworkers from Vilner.

To be more precise, this unique electric hyper car is able to produce the almost unbelievable 1088 hp (800 kW) due to its 92-kWh battery. The latter powers four sets of electric motors, placed at each wheel. The great amount of power is produced easily because all four systems can operate independently and accelerate or decelerate hundreds of times per second. And Rimac has a name for this: All-Wheel Torque Vectoring (AWTV).

Given these facts it is no surprise that Concept One’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. In addition if you wonder about the top speed of the car, it is 190 mph. The kerb weight is 1850 kg.

The concept vehicle can be seen for the first time in the UK at Salon Privé in September.

Source: Rimac

July 19, 2012

Hamann Range Rover Evoque

A complete job on the Range Rover Evoque by Hamann-Motorsport. A rather impressive display of character that can only be achieved with the help of true after market geniuses. Your personal Rangie can look like that whether it is the five-door model or the three-door “coupe”

Just looking at the finished piece, we feel intimidated by it’s aggressiveness. This might be due to the added two-part front spoiler or the new side skirts. Or maybe it’s the new fenders which broaden the vehicle’s tracks by 70 and 80 mm front and back respectively. The Evoque’s stance is also improved by the 22-inch wheels that have “anodised anthracite spokes”, titanium screws and high-gloss polished rim flanges. Even further, suspension-springs ensure 30 mm of less ground clearance which is bad for the Range Rover‘s SUV image bud good when it comes to cornering.

One will have the power to get out of a corner as well. Thanks to a sporty exhaust system, a sports air filter and some engine electronics witchcraft, the 2.2 Si4 model delivers 38 hp of additional power. The diesel engines on the other hand (the 2.2 TD4, 2.2 ED4 and 2.2 SD4) do rather respectable with another 31 hp.

Some Hamann work is clearly visible from the inside as well. But chances are that you’ll never enter two same Hamann-Motorsport Range Rover Evoques. The options list is long enough to give the opportunity of every customer to express him/herself fully.

Source: Hamann

July 19, 2012

Mansory Carbonado Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

There are only six of these Lamborghini Aventadors most, probably because there isn’t any more carbon-fiber left in the world. It’s the Mansory Carbonado – “Black Diamond” Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. All of the additional Mansory body components are made of prepeg autoclave carbon-fiber and all fit “seamlessly into the car”. We beg to differ.

The bumper is all new and redesigned with now better inlets. There’s a new lip spoiler as well. The hood has been completely replaced and even the fenders which now enhance the width of the Aventor by 40 millimeters. The side sills now “steady the airflow” between the wheelbase and simultaneously channel air to the engine and the big brakes. At the back, a diffuser works alongside a rear wing so the rear wheels never run out of grip (not that an AWD Lambo tends to do that). There’s one more thing – the roof and the engine cover have also been replaced and the material? You guessed it. It’s carbon-fiber. The forged wheels with carbon-fiber inlays are equally impressive standing at sizes 9.0 x 20 and 13.0 x 21. The tires wrapped around them measure at the impressive VA 255/30 ZR20 and HA 345/25 ZR21.

Mansory Carbonado Lamborghini Aventador Black-Diamond

It’s not all flash and… carbon with this “Black Diamond” since the guys at Mansory have also tweaked the power and have thrown in a high-performance exhaust system. That means 754 PS at 8300 rpm and 750 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm, an acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 355 km/h.

Inside, the seats and dashboard are all treated leather. Just when you think that there’s no place to slot in some carbon-fiber, Mansory manage to amaze us with several carbon woven components. Other than that, the wheel is completely different while the “non-slip” aluminium pedals complete the look.

So there you have it, the Mansory Carbonado Lamborghini Aventador “Black Diamond” in all of it’s glory. You like?

Source: Mansory

July 18, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE with upgraded performance package

Chevrolet Camaro is a legend among the cars and it has been famous and gathered greater popularity since its launch in 1967. One of the main reasons for its initial popularity was probably that it had a unique characteristic: it combined a sports car driving feeling with an everyday drive.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro is road-racing-inspired which now has unique gearing, suspension tuning and tires that make the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration. The package is offered on Camaro SS coupes but only on those equipped with manual transmissions.

In particular all Camaro SS models now include variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system. Again we are talking about manual transmission-equipped models.

As mentioned, the 1LE package will be offered on 1SS and 2SS coupe models with an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance.

A Camaro with the 1LE package can be recognized by its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler. Furthermore, it has unique 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are also in the colour black. In addition the front splitter and rear spoiler enhance to the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the 1LE has the ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded-microfiber.

Being a true Camaro it offers heritage-inspired interior and exterior, which offer sportiness through iconic design cues. On the other hand the emblematic power of the vehicle is ensured by several powertrains. The standard in LS and LT models come equipped with the 3.6L V-6 engine, which produces 323 horsepower (241 kW).

Two other options are available for the Camaro SS, which namely are 6.2L V-8 ones. The first one generates 400 hp (298 kW) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. The second one develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift.

Other equipment which will go on all Camaros is the new seven-inch touchscreen. Through it the driver will control the car’s entire audio system, which now includes MyLink features with apps like Pandora and Stitcher.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

• Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control

• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction

• Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response

• ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 10-inch aluminum wheels

• 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)

• ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance

• ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-load cornering.

The 2013 Camaro lineup includes the following:

• The 323-horsepower (241 kW) V-6-powered LS coupe and LT coupe and convertible – including the 2LS with an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway

• The Camaro SS coupe and convertible, with a 6.2L V-8 delivering up to 426 horsepower (318 kW)

• The 580-horsepower (432 kW) supercharged Camaro ZL1 coupe and convertible. (Please see the separate Camaro ZL1 release for complete details.)

In addition to the new performance features offered on the Camaro SS, all 2013 Camaro models offer a wider range of choices and enhancements that will help it remain America’s most popular sports car. New and revised content includes:

• Chevrolet MyLink and color-touch radio standard on LT, SS, and ZL1 models

• Chevrolet MyLink and color-touch radio with GPS map navigation (late availability)

• Hill start assist now standard on all manual transmissions

• ZL1-style shift knob standard on all manual transmissions

• Remote vehicle start now include on 1LT and 1SS with automatic transmission

• Blue Ray Metallic exterior color

• Frameless inside rearview mirror

• New 18-inch and 20-inch wheel designs

• Mojave leather interior trim.

Source: Chevrolet

July 18, 2012

2013 Cadillac ATS versus the World [VIDEO]

2013 Cadillac ATS is going to be introduced via series of exciting videos. In them the luxury sport Cadillac confronts some of the world’s extreme roads and treacherous driving conditions.

The debuting video is called “Cadillac ATS vs. the World” and is being released this week. In the undertaken adventure the ATS travels from the deserts of Morocco, to the streets of Monaco, to the Guoliang Tunnels in China and windswept Patagonia, Chile. But what is the aim of all this, of course no else but to show some versatile aspects of the car, such as agility, driving performance and efficient design.

In short, in Patagonia – the windiest place on earth, the ATS’s advanced aerodynamics are put to the test, while in Morocco, the sport sedan goes through a treacherous road in the Atlas Mountains that features 100 corners.

On the other hand, Monaco is the place where the ATS attacks the intricate and legendary Monaco Grand Prix circuit. And at last in China, Magnetic Ride Control technology helps the Cadillac confront the remote hand-carved Guoliang Tunnel Road.

In the making of the project have taken part the directors Joe Berlinger, and Jeff Zwart, driver Derek Hill, and host Ross Thomas.

The new ATS is going to be seen in showrooms later this summer with a starting price of $33 990. It is equipped 2.0-liter turbo engine which delivers great fuel economy of 33 mpg, and is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg in just 5.7 seconds.

httpv://youtu.be/o5oTpxaffW0

Source: Cadillac

July 18, 2012

Vorsteiner BMW GTS-V 1M with new outdoor photoshoot

Vorsteiner BMW GTS-V 1M is already well known. It has an authoritative stance, typical for BMW, which is additionally enhanced and emphasized by the GTS-V tuning program made from Vorsteiner.

In details, the GTS-V components are not only “beauty features”, but in fact integrate performance which makes gives the vehicle a more powerful presence and inspires confidence in the lucky driver.

For instance, the front spoiler is designed to improve and direct air flow to give additional downforce. Next, the boot lid is engineered in order to minimize weight in the rear while again creating downforce. Eventually, the rear add-on diffuser assists the boot lid by correcting any air pressure or air flow imbalances.

Furthermore, in the tuning program is also included the sports exhaust system, which contributes to more exhilarating acceleration. It is available in both stainless steel or in a lightweight titanium model.

At last, the best possible performance of this tuned BMW becomes reality thanks to the VS-400 3-Piece step-lip design wheel. It was made with the latest techniques and technologies in order to achieve its goal.

Here is the latest photoshoot of the Vorsteiner BMW GTS-V 1M, still hot and certainly delighting the eye.

Source: Vorsteiner

July 18, 2012

SR Project Maximus, The Black Bison

This is more like it. It’s a Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG redone by SR Auto. Despite being the Canadian company’s initiative, this “Black Bison” is all Wald. It’s called the Project Maximus and incorporates a conversion kit and some wheels.

The Wald kit makes do with an aggressive front bumper with arched intake vents that have LED DRL integrated in them. The paint job on it is a two tone scheme for better contrast. The two front fenders also bare that tone scheme and so do the side skirts. Further back, there’s a Wald Black Bison trunk spoiler and a Wald Black Bison rear bumper that has specially made exhaust tips sticking out of it.

The cherry (or rather cherries) on top are the four 20-inch Wald Renovatio wheels that come finished in chrome and with silver coating on the windows of the spokes.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG hides a 5.5-liter V8 engine that thrusts out 518 hp towards the back wheels. 700 Nm of torque have to be processed by the 7-speed automatic gearbox in such a way that the zero to sixty acceleration is done in no more than 4.4 seconds. With that kind of performance, those new features better be bolted properly or one might lose them on the highway.

SR Auto Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Project Maximus

Source: SR Auto

July 17, 2012

Aspid Cars Relase First Images of GT-21 Invictus

The first images of the Aspid GT-21 Invictus are out after a long wait. What is the Aspid GT-21 Incivtus? A car reminiscent of the decade old Plymouth Prowler made by the Spanish-based company Aspid Cars and designed by IFR Automotive. The idea might not be ground breaking but the technology used in the making of it, is akin to that on the Ariel Atom V8. It’s not the company’s first car but in fact it is based on their first car which is called the Aspid Super Sport – a lighter, more rudimentary yer powerful and focused car.

The GT-21 is 4.447mm long, 1,883mm wide and 1,226mm high. The curb weight stands at 990 kg which is around 500 more than the Atom but for that you get a completely enclosed cabin and body. In other words a sense of completeness which generates a certain degree of usability. The other difference will be the drive train. While it will have a mad BMW V8 engine in it that puts out 450 hp, an electric motor will also be fitted so it becomes a hybrid. The details on that are not clear yet though. Either way, we are promised a remarkable performance that accounts for the zero to sixty two mph acceleration which is done in less than three seconds. The top speed will be more than 187 mph and some substantial g forces are also to be experienced.

That’s amazing when you think about the layout and the type of the car: a 2+2 hard-top seater with rear-wheel drive. Yes, it has a sporty paddle-shifting gearbox but it also has a luggage compartment. It’s practice, real and logical. Exclusive too – only 250 will be made and even those won’t be alike. The company is offering a super-flexible programme for each one so that more than 100 options will be available to eventual customers.

Source: IFR Automotive

July 17, 2012

2012 Kahn Range Rover RS250 Vesuvius Copper Evoque

2012 Kahn Range Rover RS250 Vesuvius Copper Evoque is the ext elaborate creation made by the tuners from Kahn Design. This is the smallest Ranger Rover they’ve ever been working, but the result they’ve achieved is breathtaking.

Afzal Kahn himself said about the working process of this project: “It was a very complicated car to work but we worked within the factory style lines and I put my heart and soul into this. We spent thousands of hours working on this car because I wanted to ensure it isn’t seen as a conventional car but as something more serious for the road and I am quietly confident that our customers will enjoy a great deal of motoring supremacy with this outstanding vehicle.”

This Evoque is undoubtedly unmistakable with its one-of-a-kind color and additional exterior improvements. The tuning touch includes a front and rear bumper boot spoiler that blends impeccably with the original design, central exhaust, fog lamps, LED running lights in front bumper, new front grille, Kahn lowering module, privacy glass, brake calipers finished in Vesuvius copper, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, heated seats, floor mats, aluminum machined foot pedals and Kahn branding.

Of course, the interior is exceptional. Just look at the pictures and you’ll have a glimpse of the “bespoke touch”. This Range Rover comes with front and rear seats in black quilted and perforated leather with Alcantara inserts and Vesuvius copper detailing, rev counter and speedo in red, centre glove box (diamond quilted), door entry sill plates in stainless steel, door panel tops in quilted and perforated leather, piano black carbon trim and Vesuvius sports steering wheel with copper stitching.

2012 Kahn Range Rover RS250 Vesuvius Copper Evoque Interior

At last, the model runs on special Kahn wheels, which go along perfectly with the vehicle and even further enhance its essence. They were created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, and are in 9 x 22’’ size. Namely, the RS600 wheels come in matt grey and fit all original centre caps. With simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, the RS600 wheels are synonymous with elegance and innovation.

Source: A. Kahn Design

July 17, 2012

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