Automobiles Review – Page 850 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h – Pricing Announced

2013_Lexus_ES_300h_THUMB The prices of 2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h has just been revealed. The first luxury sedan has a base price of $36 100 and the luxury hybrid sedan has a starting price of $38 850. The ES 350 and ES 300 hybrid will be seen in the showrooms in the beginning of the next month.

Further news is that for the first time Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. It will include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, thanks to which the expected fuel economy numbers are approximately 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined. Nevertheless, the ES 300h generates 200 horsepower (147 kW).

On the other hand the ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i which delivers 268 horsepower (197 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. (183 Nm) of peak torque at 4,700. This engine is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

The latter provides improved driving performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. In addition to this low friction materials further enhance the efficiency and contribute to fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h include a Drive Mode selector, which in turn includes Normal, Eco and Sport Mode. When driving on the first one, the car delivers a blend of performance and efficiency, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. The Sport mode increases powertrain and steering responsiveness.

In addition to all three modes, the ES 300h adds an EV mode which allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, utilizing only the power from the hybrid battery pack.

The Lexus models include wide range of standard and optional safety equipment: class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, the optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System, Lexus Safety Connect®, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button, Stolen Vehicle Location services, Automatic Collision Notification, etc.

Furthermore the cars are equipped with the standard Lexus Premium Sound System which includes eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity, and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver.

The cockpit now includes also separate display and operation zones. The instrument panel is longer and shows the important information on a 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Source: Lexus

July 17, 2012

Alfa Romeo MiTo equipped with the award winning TwinAir engine

Alfa Romeo MiTo is a sorty supermini vehicle which is now available with the multi-award winning 85 hp (63 kW) TwinAir engine. The latter is an 875cc twin-cylinder turbo powerplant with electro-hydraulic valve control technology, thanks to which the Alfa Romeo has official Combined Cycle fuel economy of 67.3mpg.

Furthermore this engine delivers CO2 output of just 98g/km. This makes the Alfa MiTo TwinAir the cleanest and most economical model in its class. Another new fact around the MiTo TwinAir range is that it will be offered in a new metallic body colour: Ametista Black with a purple hue.

The engine is undoubtedly perfect for driving in the city; however the brand Alfa Romeo is all about sports car dynamics, which makes the car very agile. In addition to that the sporty and environmentally compatible powerplant uses MultiAir technology matched with specific fluid dynamics optimized for maximum fuel efficiency.

The 875cc TwinAir Turbo engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, generates a maximum of 85 hp (63 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 145Nm (107 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm. In addition, due to the Start&Stop device and ‘intelligent’ alternator, the car has the lowest petrol CO2 emissions in its segment at just 98 g/km.

The new Alfa MiTo TwinAir is going to be offered in two trim levels – Sprint and Distinctive. In addition to that the drivers of the new Alfa Romeo model will be enjoying a wide array of standard specification (for Sprint trim): 6-inch sports alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, manual climate control, Alfa D.N.A. (driving mode selector) and Alfa’s Blue&Me™ system with Bluetooth®- hands-free connectivity and USB media system.

The Distinctive trim level also has a lot of standard premium features: 17-inch sports alloy wheels, red painted Brembo brake calipers, rear parking sensors and chrome/aluminium detailing.

Alfa Romeo MiTo TwinAir is priced from £14 150.

Pricing

TwinAir Version

BIK Rate

Total OTR

0-62mph (sec)

Top Speed

Ins. Group

Emissions CO2(g/km)

Combined MPG

875cc TB TwinAir

85 bhp Sprint

10%

£14,150

12.5

108

9

98

67.3

875cc TB TwinAir

85 bhp Distinctive

10%

£15,350

12.5

108

9

98

67.3

Trim Details

SPRINT

Remote central locking

A.B.S. with EBD

Alfa code immobiliser

Manual climate control

Electric front windows with ‘One-Touch’ function

Heated rear window

Adjustable headlight position

Brake Assistance System

(Emergency Braking)

7 airbags – Driver, passenger, front side, window and driver knee airbag

Front Airbag Deactivation on Passenger’s side

Rear headrests

Sprint cloth upholstery

Car radio with audio CD & MP3 player

Trip computer

Fix & Go puncture repair kit

Sensor for external temperature

Start&Stop

Titanium Grey headlight & rear light surrounds

Body-coloured wing mirrors

Anti-Intrusion sensors for electric front windows

Rear window wiper

Interior front lights on ceiling

Front and rear bumpers in body colour

Alarm system with safe lock

VDC (ABS+ASR+Brake Assistant) with Hill Holder and Electronic Q2

16″ Sports alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 tyres / (ECO)

Vehicle’s Dynamic Control switch (D.N.A. system)

Blue&Me™ (Bluetooth® hands-free system with voice recognition and media player with USB port and Aux-in) and steering wheel with remote controls and gear knob in leather

Multifunctional display

Electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors in body colour

Cruise control

Car radio with audio CD and MP3 player and double aerial

Rear Spoiler

Front fog lights

12V Plug

DISTINCTIVE

As Alfa MiTo Sprint plus:

17″ Sports alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres

Front armrest with storage compartment

Aluminium kickplates

Chrome effect window sills

Sports dials with white illumination

Red painted Brembo brake callipers

Sports rear bumper

Lucid Chrome headlight & rear light surrounds

Lucid Chrome wing mirrors

Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment

Vanity mirror on driver and

passenger sides

Space saver spare wheel

Chrome exhaust tail pipe

Rear parking sensors

Aluminium sports pedals with footrest in metal

Front seat rear pocket

(passenger side only)

Sports seats upholstery

Technical Data

	875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp
No. of cylinders, arrangement	2 in line
Bore x stroke (mm)	80.5 x 86
Displacement (cc)	875
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Max. power output bhp (kW – EC) at rpm	85 (62.5) 5500
Peak torque Nm (kgm – EC) at rpm	145 ( 14.8) 2000
Fuel type	Petrol
Fuel Feed	TwinAir turbo
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (12V)
Battery: Capacity (Ah)/Generator (A)	63/450
TRANSMISSION
Drive	Front
Number of gears	6 + 1R
TYRES
Standard version	195/55 R16
STEERING SYSTEM
Steering diameter kerb-to-kerb (m)	11.25
SUSPENSION
Front	MacPherson independent, front traverse trailing arms; shock absorbers with rebound springs; anti-roll bar
Rear	Torsion beam with C cross-section and high torsional stiffness; slotted bushings with variable stiffness for attaching beam to bodyshell; high-stiffness helical springs; contractive vertical shock absorbers
BRAKES
Front (mm)	Ventilated 257 x 22 D, 54mm floating calliper
Rear	Solid 251 x 10 D, 38 mm floating calliper
WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank (lit.)	45
Kerb weight DIN (kg)	1130
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (mph)	108
Acceleration (driver + 30 kg) 0-62 (s)	12.5
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS
Urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	57.6 (4.9)
Extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100km)	74.3 (3.8)
Combined cycle mpg (l/100km)	67.3 (4.2)
Exhaust emissions – CO2 (g/km)	98
Emissions Standard	Euro 5
Start&Stop	Standard

Source: Alfa Romeo

July 17, 2012

2013 Honda Fit goes on sale with a starting price of $15 325

2013 Honda Fit is going on sale today and will deliver the lucky customers unmatched efficiency and fun-driving. In addition to that Honda has included to the Fit exterior color trim range the new Midnight Plum Pearl paint. The starting price still remains unchanged: $15 325.

Important fact about the Fit is that it has multiple achievements because of its class-leading safety scores, fuel economy, value and overall excellence. Some of the prestigious awards are “$16,000 Subcompact Shootout” competition (by Cars.com, USA Today and MotorWeek ), Tope safety pick (from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), 2012 Residual Value Award from ALG, “10Best Cars” award winner.

This Honda model is powered by 1.5-liter, i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine. It is able to generate 117 horsepower (86 kW) at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft (144 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission as a standard and. Nevertheless, a five-speed automatic one is also available.

The economy numbers for the vehicle, when equipped with the available automatic transmission, are city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 28/35/31 miles per gallon. The Fit Sport with the available automatic transmission has city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/30 miles per gallon. All manual transmission-equipped models have city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/29 miles per gallon2.

Furthermore the compact size of the 2013 Honda Fit makes it perfect for the urban environment. In addition it has intriguing design which is emphasized by the body-color exterior mirrors and racy five-spoke wheel covers or 16-inch alloy wheels.

Moreover, the car will deliver a sporty and dynamic driving experience to its driver, because of its front MacPherson strut suspension and an H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport, respectively) include 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires.

Although the overall exterior length is just 161.6 inches, the car is surprisingly roomy inside. This makes it possible for five passengers to have a comfortable ride. The standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, a USB audio interface3, an auxiliary audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, and a security system.

As it is typical for Honda, all Fit models are equipped with a wide range of standard safety equipment: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, anti-lock brakes, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and side-curtain airbag.

The top-of-the-line in this model range is the Fit Sport. The vehicle includes host of useful features: fog lights, “machined surface” 16-inch alloy wheels, a body-colored underbody kit and rear roofline spoiler, chromed exhaust finisher, rear stabilizer bar and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters,160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls get the tunes pumping.

Other Fit Sport interior improvements are upgraded seat fabric, dark metallic dashboard components, chrome accents around the instrument displays, console ambient lighting and floor mats.

Furthermore, the model is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition4, which features a 6.5-inch screen, Bluetooth®5 HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio capability with compatible phones and devices.

Source: Honda

July 17, 2012

BMW XS Concept Render

We love independent works of 3D artists and visionaries. That’s why when we found that brilliant BMW XS design concept – which is based on a BMW platform apparently – we felt the need to share it with you.

It has been rendered by self-taught graphic designer George Manolache who finds cars to be his ultimate source of inspiration. What’s been presented here is his vision of how hydrogen power SUVs should look like. It’s frankly stunning (as far as SUVs go). At the back end we believe we see some Evoqueishness, while at the front there lays a modern interpretation of a 1952 BMW 501’s nose. Stepping inside one finds an interior that’s rather… digital yet bio-mechanic.

Those ambient red lights inside are wonderfully impractical but vital nevertheless as if you were to ask us, they act as the blood vessels of the XS. Best part of all – Mr Manolache has cobbled this video together during his spare time.

httpv://vimeo.com/43521113

For those of you who are more familiar with the craft of 3D and graphic designing there’s a bonus type, behind-the-scenes so to speak video. Enjoy:

httpv://vimeo.com/43595590

Video Source: George Manolache via Vimeo

July 16, 2012

SR Auto Lamborghini Murcielago SV with PUR Wheels

SR Auto have done it again – it’s white, Italian, all-wheel-driven, has PUR wheels on it and it’s called a project. Project White Wing to be exact. It’s a Lamborghini Murcielago SV and in all honesty, as soon as we saw the pictures, a certain endearment took us over. It’s not often we read news about Mercielagos, let alone SVs (which means SuperVeloce or SuperFast).

Let’s not let’s not lie to ourselves, those Aventador predecessors still need some of the spotlight. That’s why SR Auto have taken up on contacting PUR Wheels and acquiring two PUR 2WO Monoblock 19-inch wheels for the front and two 20-inch of the same sort wheels for the back. Guess sometimes it’s the subtle changes that make the difference.

The Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was the most powerful bull of the line ever produced. It was the last model to join the family as well – a sort of a grand goodbye party. It’s V12 engine’s power was pumped up to 670 hp which meant that it’s carbon fibery body was capable of accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standing start in just 2.9 seconds. Those wheels will have to work for their lunch.

SR Auto White Wing Lamborghini Murcielago SV

Source: SR Auto

July 16, 2012

Mazda6 Teaser [VIDEO]

There are already two teaser videos in the USA Mazda YouTube channel that concern the 2014 Mazda6 mid-sized sedan. They promise us a deeply stated “re-imagination”. We can see some creases and curves but that’s not yet the big picture so to speak, as more shortish and croppy videos will be fed through the month.

Mazda say that the fascia seen in one of the videos does have the TAKERI DNA in it but they also stress out that its not a concept thing thus it’s more functional, logical and real. The grill for example, also has some KODO “Soul of Motion” design ques . It all sounds very exotic and alluring but let’s not stray away from the point.

The 2014 Mazda6 will be the company’s second vehicles that will make do with the ever so popular SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It’s a realm of Mazda philosophy that engulfs everything from the materials that are used in the assembly to the very structure of the car. What the end result should yield is fuel-efficiency that goes alongside performance, dynamism and safety. The first car to showcase some SKYACTIV components was the 2012 Mazda3 thanks to it’s SKYACTIV 2.0 petrol engine and the subsequent available transmissions. The 2013 CX-5 however was the first full-blown SKYACTIV car that added some body and chassis components to the technology line.

The new 2014 Mazda6 should do no less and it is expected to go on sale in early 2013.

httpv://youtu.be/m5bHx4xULsA

httpv://youtu.be/OElAaosk4KI

Source: Mazda

Video Source: mazdaofficialweb via YouTube

July 16, 2012

Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – Aggression and Style

Vorsteiner has announced their project based on Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe back in April and now they are ready with the official photos and information about this amazing car.The full aerodynamics package include a new front splitter, which is added to the original bumper. There is also a new front grille with a two-bar design giving a prominent look and finishing the style of the front end.There is also a pair of new side skirts with integrated vents for the rear brakes. They improve the cooling as well as the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.Last, but not least is the rear end, which gets a lot of upgrades. First is the new lip spoiler on the boot lid. There is also a quad sport exhaust system housed by a new redesigned diffuser.All part are made from carbon fibre for maximum strength and lightness.The C63 Coupe rolls enormous 10-spoke VS-160 alloy wheels in 19” or 20” sizes fitted with low-profile high-performance tires.No upgrades for the engine, though.

July 16, 2012

2013 Nissan Note – A New Global Compact Car

Nissan has announced the new 2013 Note model, which will hit the market in September this year. The car was previewed by the Invitation Concept.

With a goal of becoming the most user-friendly car in its segment, the new Note will explore the full potential of compact cars when it goes on sale in Japan this fall.

The Note achieves class-leading fuel efficiency and emission levels, combining advanced engine technology, a lightweight platform and improved aerodynamics.

The interior boasts an electronic climate control system, GPS navigation and an Around View Monitor, of course as options.

The engine range includes a supercharged 3-cylinder HR12DDR (DIG-S) and a HR12DE. They will be connected to a next-generation continuously variable transmission which promises to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency. These engines will be available in Japan and the European variant will be unveiled early next year.

The new Japanese-market Note will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu. Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the U.K. will produce models for Europe, which are planned for release in 2013.

Source: Nissan

July 16, 2012

2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R Returns to American Le Mans Series [VIDEO]

2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R will return to American Le Mans Series making its firs appearance on 4th of August.

SRT Motorsports has worked in collaboration with Riley Technologies on the design-and-build process of the new SRT Viper GTS-R race cars. In details, the team will compete in the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge with two identical SRT Viper GTS-R cars.

They will take part in the production-based GT class in the series. In the GT class can compete only slightly modified production-based two-wheel-drive race cars. And during the race the Viper will compare its powers with vehicles such as Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M3 GT, Corvette C6.R, Ferrari F458 Italia, Lotus Evora and Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.

What is common between all of the cars in the same class is that they have a minimum weight of 2,745 pounds, produce between 450-500 horsepower and have a top speed of up to 180 mph.

Another important information is that four three full-time drivers are signed already to drive the Dodge: Dominik Farnbacher, from Ansbach, Germany; Marc Goossens from Geel, Belgium; and Kuno Wittmer from Montreal, Ryan Hunter-Reay from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

httpv://youtu.be/G2VtmdINQU8

Source: Dodge

July 16, 2012

Ford Focus ST has a leading role in Ultimate Urban Playground [VIDEO]

2013-Ford-Focus-ST-THUMB If you live in San Francisco, than there is a huge probability that you have witnessed a spectacular event with the participation of 2013 Ford Focus ST. However, if you haven’t view it by your own, or if you aren’t living in this beautiful city, we have good news for you: all that was going one has been recorded and you can watch the video below.

Ford Focus ST taking part in the Ultimate Urban Playground Video

But what is it all about? Well the project is called Ultimate Urban Playground and is conducted by of Ken Block. In fact, this video is the fifth installment of the award-winning viral video franchise. In it Block’s Gymkhana unleashes the 246 horses (180 kW) of the Ford through the iconic streets of San Francisco.

Focus ST is Ford’s first global performance car, priced from £21 995 it will go on sale in September.

httpv://youtu.be/LuDN2bCIyus

Source: Ford

July 16, 2012

Third generation Seat Leon revealed [VIDEO]

2013 Seat Leon has just been introduced officially, combining beauty and practicality. The Seat vehicle was entirely redesigned, packed with high-end technology, having a new chassis, advanced infotainment systems and sophisticated driving aids.

In addition the new Seat Leon comes equipped with new full-LED headlamps, which are made in striking design and have exceptional illumination. Full-LED lights are available for the first time in the compact class.

What is more the new Leon is more practical now. Although the exterior is more compact, the interior offers more spaciousness. At 4.26 metres long, the new Leon is around five centimetres shorter than its predecessor. However the wheelbase is up by almost six centimetres.

The rear end of the new SEAT Leon has redesigned as well. You can see the large logo, which now serves as an opener for the rear hatch.

On the other hand the interior has a clear and uncluttered look, which adds even more elegance to the vehicle. The dashboard is unconventional and elegant, with a two-tone design that makes. A lot of attention has been put on the details: for instance, the large air vents, the controls for the air conditioning and the three-dimensional form of the trim elements. The luggage compartment now has bigger volume of 380 litres.

In addition, the new Seat model has a longer wheelbase because of the new architectured implemented. This contributes also to a more balanced distribution of axle load – factors that bring about more comfort and sporty handling.

httpv://youtu.be/_SI7oK4fNso

More importantly, the car is powered by a series of fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, ranging from 1.2- to 2.0 litres. All engines include direct injection and turbocharging, and have been engineered for low internal friction and fast warm-up.

The 1.6 TDI generates 104 hp (76 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) of torque. In the Ecomotive version with start/stop system and brake energy recuperation, it returns an astonishing 74.3 mpg on average, equating to just 99 g/km CO2.

The 2.0 TDI has the impressive 70.6 mpg in the Ecomotive version, however it still generates 150 hp (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb.ft) of torque.

In the early 2013, Seat will launch the 1.2 TSI engine in two versions with 86 hp (63 kW) and 105 hp (77 kW); a 1.4 TSI with 122 hp (90 kW); and at the top of the petrol range, a 1.8 TSI with 180 hp (132 kW) and a combination of direct and manifold injection.

The diesel line-up will be enhanced by the 1.6 TDI with 90 hp (66 kW) and the powerful, range-topping 2.0 TDI with 184 hp (135 kW), which delivers a maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.ft).

In the new Leon, the customers will find up-to-date infotainment solutions. Seat has included the Easy Connect operating system, which controls the Sound System entertainment and communication functions via a touch-sensitive screen in the cockpit.

The new Leon also features driver assistance systems such as the drowsiness detection feature, an advanced camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, Full Beam Assistant, Heading Control lane-keeping assistant.

The refreshed badge of the company will be included in this model, which makes it the first one to carry it. It can be seen on the grille, rear and steering wheel of the car. The logo is now with cleaner design and now represents the precision and elegance of the brand’s design language, while also reflecting the company’s engineering and quality leadership.

Source: Seat

Video Source: YouTube

July 16, 2012

Lamborghini Gallardo UR Twin Turbo [HD video] – 1 mile Record

Here is a sensational video of Lamborghini Gallardo UR Twin Turbo, which managed to set new 1 mile record. The super sports car is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0 liter V10 with whopping 1500WHP (around 2000HP).

With such amount of power, the records are imminent and the Gallardo stopped the clock at 23.861 seconds crossing the 1 mile (1.609 km) distance with terminal speed of whopping 387.51 km/h. In this third start, the super sports car covered 1/4 mile in just 10.639 seconds with terminal speed of 245.56 km/h. Of course, this is slightly slow 1/4 mile, but it is mainly because of traction problems.

In the first start, the Gallardo UR Twin Turbo set 24.366 seconds with 378.15 km/h at 1 mile and in the second 24.264 with 383.38 km/h.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujY_-wX24t0

Source: Dragtimesinfo via Youtube

July 13, 2012

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