Automobiles Review – Page 854 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

BMW 1-Series M135i three-door offers sports style in compact format

The new BMW 1 Series is now being launched in three-door sporty and elegant versions, along with additional engine choices.

The powerful petrol and diesel engines are empowered by BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In addition the new BMW has the latest chassis design and rear-wheel drive, which is unique for a vehicle in this class. And this is exactly what has to assure you that this vehicle will offer you sporty and dynamic driving experience.

The first BMW M Performance automobile for the compact segment is the BMW M135i equipped with a six-cylinder petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. Thanks to it, the BMW develops 235 kW (320 hp). In addition it delivers its typical M precision-engineered and high-performance chassis, and has now optimized aerodynamics of the body style and an exclusive interior design.

A new entry-level model in the 1 Series is the BMW 114i which is powered by a straight four-cylinder engine. This one generates 75 kW (102 hp). Furthermore, two additional models come with petrol engines and four – with diesel ones.

The BMW M135i and the BMW 114i will also be offered as five-door models. Except for the BMW 114i and the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, all models can be mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission as an option. No matter the choice, Auto Start/Stop function is available for both manual and automatic transmissions.

The BMW EfficientDynamics technology package includes the ECO PRO mode, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control button that comes as a standard on all models. The intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive technology can also be seen in the equipment of the BMW>

Of course the BMW 120d xDrive and the BMW M135i xDrive will be the first 1 Series models to have this four-wheel drive technology.

The new three-door model is offered in the BMW Sport Line and the BMW Urban Line versions with special options and equipment. Moreover, the M Sport package will be also available for the new BMW 1 Series three-door model.

Source: BMW

July 9, 2012

APR Audi R8 5.2L FSI V10 ECU Upgrade

APR announce their Stage 1 ECU Upgrade which is applicable on the Audi R8 V10. The tweak jumps the power up to 583 (crankshaft)hp although the end result varies depending on the fuel used . The remapping will be fine tuned entirely in accordance to what you usually put in the tank and at APR dealers you can constantly shift from 93 octane to 91 octane or you can completely refresh the system and return to stock power.

Even better, because the upgrade concerns the 5.2L FSI V10 engine and less so the car itself, the Lamborghini Gallardo can also potentially benefit from the boost. APR have managed to comply with most the manufacturer’s standards so we are promised absolute driveability and reliability. So let’s break it down. At best you get 583 hp and 431 lb-ft of torque. That’s 58 hp more than the standard R8 Coupe and additional 53 lb-ft of torque.

The Stage 1 ECU upgrade is still being developed for the differently calibrated engines (such as the ones in the R8 GT or the Superleggera) but as soon as it’s out, owners of the initial upgrade will be entitled to the fully loaded ECU – neat. Now watch the video and get hooked.

httpv://youtu.be/e-1LiJhrZog

Source: APR

Video Source: APRVideos via YouTube

July 9, 2012

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake combines practicality and elegance

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is the new AMG high-performance vehicle, which combines performance with style and practicality in a completely new way. It comes euipped with 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a power output range of from 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension.

On the other hand the generous interior and luggage compartment with a volume of up to 1550 liters reveal the practical sides of this Mercedes-Benz model. And as a truly exceptional offering there is also the time-limited CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake “Edition 1” which adds further 24 kW (32 hp) of power and 100 Nm of torque.

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine has the ability to combine direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion, piezo injectors, biturbocharging, air/water intercooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function. This undoubtedly will reveal some of its unique features.

It has a power output and torque levels of 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm respectively. In conjunction with the Edition 1 these figures are enhanced up to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm.

The first one accelerates from zero to 100 km/h for 4.4 seconds, while the second one for a second less. The top speed of both is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Despite the great power output the consumption figures remain low. Fuel consumption of 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) corresponds to a CO2 output of 235 g/km and is identical for both power units.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake key data:

	CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake
Displacement	5461 cc
Bore x stroke	98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Output	386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm*
Max. torque	700 Nm at 1750-5250 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm*
Engine weight (dry)	204 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	10.1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	235 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed**	250 km/h

The AMG eight-cylinder engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, thanks to which the levels of performance and efficiency are further enhanced. In addition it is equipped with four individual transmission modes as well as automatic double declutching and RACE START functions.

For example, in “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode, the ECO start/stop function is enabled and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill. When the car is in “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes, the engine and transmission are significantly more responsive.

Good contact with the road the Mercedes makes thanks to the titanium grey-painted, high-sheen AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a triple-spoke design and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres on the rear.

Another highlight here is the interior of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, which includes: AMG sports seats in nappa leather with multicontour seat and memory functions, AMG black piano lacquer trim and the AMG-specific analogue clock featuring an IWC design, AMG instrument cluster with AMG main menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up screen.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Interior

Next, the AMG Performance steering wheel is wrapped in nappa leather and includes a three-spoke design with flattened top and bottom sections, a special shape, perforated leather finish and silver coloured aluminium shift paddles.

A highlight among the extensive range of optional extras is the designo wooden luggage compartment floor. Additional optional extras from designo include: designo metallic paint finish available in three colours, designo magno paint finish available in two colours, designo leather available in ten colours, designo roof lining in DINAMICA microfibre, available in three colours.

The AMG Performance Studio optional extras include the following: AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG rear axle differential lock, white Illuminated AMG door sill panels at the front, lightweight forged AMG light-alloy wheels featuring a 5-twin-spoke design, painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear, AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flanges, and fitted with 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 tyres at the rear, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system with 16-channel DSP amplifier, ICEpower amplifier, total output of 1200 watts and 14 high-end loudspeakers.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 9, 2012

Bentley EXP 9 F Images

After a successful UK/Goodwood debut, the Bentley EXP 9 F design concept SUV comes with new images and a video. Not the breaking news we’ve been looking for but still better than leaving empty handed.

Again, there’s talk about the EXP 9 F‘s mingle of highlights such as “contemporary” luxury, advanced technology, all-terrain friendliness and a “commanding driving position”? Usually 99% of the driving seats out there are commanding in the sense that there is a steering wheel nearby, there are pedals within reach and there’s a center console on the left/right. Whatever the position, Bentley hope to end up with the “fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world”.

The Goodwood was a yet another venue for the EXP 9 F with which Bentley are testing the public and their attitude towards the idea of their own SUV. Before last week, we saw the concept at the Geneva International Show while in August, an appearance is scheduled at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2012

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

Evolution of F1 [VIDEO]

We’ve come a long way from 1950 until now. Think about it. From having no satellites orbiting the Earth whatsoever, to actually shrouding the planet with them. Color TV, mobile phones, computers, nanotechnology, medicine: everything leaped within just 62 years. The whole concept of how fast the technological evolution is is a bit hard to grasp. Now, we have stumbled upon something that gives us the automotive, high-octane point of view. It’s the evolution of the F1 car.

It’s all there since the first season of 1950 where a 1938 Alfa Romeo 158 dominated every track it competed on despite being essentially an 8-cylinder, front engined bathtub. In the 60s, engineers took things more seriously and started experimenting with the aerodynamics and with the weight distribution (the engine was usually mid-mounted). By the 70s, the F1 cars started assuming a familiar shape. Also in the same decade the cylinder count in cars saw it’s peak when V12 engines were used. In the late 70s turbocharging made a brief appearance that would last around ten years.

F1 Evolution Infograph – Click On Image For Full Size

In 1991 V12 engines were again a fact and traction control was introduced by some of the teams because the power was simply too much to handle. By the year 1994, regulations forbade the use of traction control but then in 2001 it was back in the game.

F1 did bring innovation to common cars and we all experienced change. Active suspension, traction control, engine refinement; All serve as an example of how design and technology bring constant change in shape and function. The only invention that has held it’s ground through the years, seems to be the wheel – it is still round

Source: Ruf Blacklock via Vimeo

July 6, 2012

London Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the MINI [VIDEO]

It’s nice attend a cultural event every now and then… so we’ve been told. So here’s a performance we found particularly entertaining. It’s the London Philharmonic Orchestra‘s way to send a good luck card to Team GB for the London 2012 Games – the God Save the Queen anthem in car horns. MINI provided the instruments.

Nine musicians in total were involved in this sonorous piece which, when not performing behind the wheel, play wind and brass instruments including the clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Respectively, in the video we can see nine red, white and blue MINI London 2012 edition cars that vaguely represent the Union Jack.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra in MINIs

Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK said, “MINI is best known for highly tuned, sweet sounding engines, so we are delighted to discover that a patriotic harmony can be created with the car’s horn. We hope that this rendition of God Save the Queen will help rally Team GB to victory.”

MINI is closely connected with Team GB and ParalympicsGB and over the last year and a half the company has organized inspirational events and fun activities with the aim of encouraging the nation to backup the home team’s athletes and to demonstrate support.

httpv://youtu.be/ik9AtJQXaHQ

Source: MINI

Video source: MINI UK via YouTube

July 5, 2012

Suzuki Splash – Mini-MPV?

Remember talking about the crossbreeding of car segments? Now comes the question, since when is the Suzuki Splash an MPV? Especially the latest one which is 60mm longer than the previous ones, solely because of it’s bumpers. That’s not the MPV way. Yes, the Splash has folding rear seats which provide 573 liters of luggage space but so does a Polo.

Still, at Suzuki claim that the 2012 model has space for five inside and legroom won’t be an issue. As we mentioned, the bumpers are new, the hood and grille are restyled but the price stays the same. ($12,104 for the 1.0l SZ2 model) Inside you also get some refinement thanks to the newly designed seat fabric, the Piano Black finish for the center console and other stylish touches.

The Splash comes with two engines. The one to go for is the 94 PS 1.2l petrol unit. It has Dual VVT (Variable DOHC) and it made a good reputation for itself in the Swift. 55.4 mpg on the combined cycle (choose manual). The 1.0l, three cylinder petrol is for the ultra-eco-minded who will get 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle. But if you plan to carry around 5 people inside and/or luggage (that’s what MPVs do) you’ll find that 68 PS will leave you rather frustrated in real world.

No matter what trim you choose (SZ2, SZ3 or SZ4) for whichever engine, you get four airbags, CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel and an information display as standard. SZ3 models get air conditioning as well while SZ4 models with the 1.2l engine get ESP, more airbags, 15 inch wheels, fog lights, kelyess entry and start and tinted windows at the back.

Source: Suzuki

July 5, 2012

Review of Audi A3

German car manufacturer Audi has released a new version of their A3 model in 2012 with their idiosyncratic style and panache. The badge itself will stir interest from their diehard fans but how well equipped is the model for the run of the mill car owner?

First of all let’s look at the price; the newest model comes in at around upward of £20,000. When visiting the Audi website, you may be inclined to add a couple of their added extras, whilst the manufacturer has always offered the most luxurious of extras, adding on just a couple could see the price soar.

Fortunately for buyers, a new model always means used car prices fall. This is not, though, good news for those looking to sell a used Audi A3. If you are looking to buy or sell, make sure you do so through legitimate sales platforms, used car reviews are always thorough enough to paint a fairly detailed portrait of what’s on sale.

The exterior design is as sleek and stylish as ever with a sharper body and slimmer headlights. Although a little wider, the new model is substantially lighter than its predecessor making it far more energy efficient.

The Multi Media Interface comes as standard with all new Audi models and the A3 is no exception. A slim touch screen appears from within the dashboard that allows the user to control anything from music to air conditioning.

With regards to room there is a lot to give in the front seat of the new Audi. A little less can be said about the back seats but there shouldn’t be too much discomfort, even for adults. The boot space in the new hatch back has grown to 365 cubic litres from the previous 350. It may not seem like much, but it can really make the difference if you are part of a large family.

All in all, the new A3 is a very smooth ride, although some test drivers have claimed its gear change to be a little sticky as well as the steering to be somewhat heavy handed for a small family car. Its CO2 emissions make it a lot more economical in terms of car tax and its agronomical design and weight loss add to reduced running costs.

The new A3 comes only in a 3 door model for now, so despite a large boot capacity, the family car owner may want to wait to see if a 5 door option is offered in the future.

July 5, 2012

RENM Lamborghini Aventador LE-C

Lamborghini Aventador is really an exceptional car. It comes with brutal 6.5 liter V12 delivering 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group, which shifts in just 50 milliseconds, which guarantees perfect performance.

The kerb weight is just 1575 kg (3 472 lbs), thanks to a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque structure with total weight of only 147.5 kg.

To make it even better, RENM performance has created a full optic package for the staggering Aventador.

“We wanted to retain the original design lines while enhancing and making improvements across the entire platform. Some aspects of the design were influenced by the Aventador J concept, but only those sections we considered were improvements. For instance, the upper rear grille is similar to the J concept, although the lower rear section is a total redesign.”, commented from the tuning studio.

The design specifications were also developed in consultation with Aventador owners scheduled for the LE-C upgrade.

Replacement body parts are made from light-weight carbon fiber composites that provide significant weight savings. The interior also blends alcantara and carbon fiber elements. Both standard and light-weight race seats are upholstered in alcantara with LE-C inscription.

RENM Performance Lamborghini Aventador LE-C

LE-C program include:

• Extensively redesigned aerodynamic carbon fiber body sections with electronically operated rear wing;

• Road and race specification valve-controlled inconel and titanium exhaust systems, re-designed air intake chambers, ECU recalibration resulting in a 9-11% increase in engine output;

• Individual suspension, chassis adjustments and modifications, with adjustable vehicle ride height;

• Exclusive LE-C light weight center-lock race specification wheels, fitted with optional race specification tyres;

• LE-C race brake kits with air flow inlets, revised engine and brake cooling chambers;

• LE-C interior with alcantara and carbon fiber accents, including steering wheel with optional light weight race seats and harness section.

July 5, 2012

Honda has announced MUGEN CR-Z GT featuring racing hybrid system

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its intent to provide technical support to Team Mugen, operated by M-TEC Co., Ltd., for its competition with the MUGEN CR-Z GT in the GT300 class of SUPER GT Series.

Honda will supply a 2.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and the racing hybrid system developed exclusively for this Team Mugen racing machine and will start actual test runs.

Team Mugen’s first race with the MUGEN CR-Z GT featuring the Honda racing hybrid system will be the 2012 SUPER GT Series Round 4 SUGO GT 300km Race, which will be held on July 28 and 29, 2012.

Stay tuned for more information about this project!

Source: Honda

July 5, 2012

2012 Mitsubishi L200 Trojan – price £17 999

Mitsubishi has announced the new 2012 L200 Trojan Double Cab. The 12MY Trojan hits the market and is already available in 113 Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide. Competitively priced, the Trojan offers a great combination of comprehensive specification, striking good looks and excellent value for money.

2012 L200 Trojan is available in two colours; Aztec Red (Solid) and Cosmos Black (Pearlescent). The prices start at £17,999 for L200 2.5 DI-D Trojan Double Cab Manual and go up to £19 324 for L200 2.5 DI-D Trojan Double Cab Manual (Leather). Metallic paint will cost an additional £410 excluding VAT.

The 12MY Trojan Double Cab is powered by a 175bhp and 400Nm 2.5 liter diesel.

The vehicle has a 12-month / 9,000 mile service interval programme, includes pan-European breakdown and accident management service. The Mitsubishi Service Plan (MSP) is available at £562.50 Excluding VAT.

L200 Trojan Specification:

The 12MY Trojan arrives as a standard bed derivative and will feature the following high level of equipment as standard:

16” Alloy Wheels
Rear Diff Lock
Super Select 4WD
CD Player with MP3
Multifunction Trip Computer
Climate Control
Rear Electric Windows
Chrome Electric Door Mirrors with Heater / Folding Function
Colour Coded Wheel Arch Extensions
Privacy Glass
Chrome Outer Door Handles
CAT 1 Alarm System

Source: Mitsubishi

July 5, 2012

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