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CHEVROLET SPARK by KBR Motorsport

Every know and then, tuners run out of ideas and start searching for possibilities in places where no one would think of. Here we have such a case. It’s hard to say that the Chevrolet Spark is the best looking supermini out there, nor it is the most thrilling. But the guys at KBR Motorsport have given it a shot anyways.

They started off with with a set of matte black Barracuda Voltex T6 rims, They sound kind of menacing but in real life, the figures speak for themselves: 7 x 17-inch wheels with 185/35R17 tires on them – cute. KBR also added their home made silencer for that extra growl. Also at the tail gate, the badging, wiper and lock have been simply removed because that’s somehow considered customization. Some foil has been applied to for color orientation courtesy to CoverEFX. Really that’s about it. Kind of superficial, we couldn’t help but thinking.

To own a KBR Motorsport Cehvrolet Spark one needs to cough up 5000 Euros which makes things sound even more ridiculous. If we wanted some glamor in the first place, we wouldn’t go for the Spark in the first place. Invest in a MiTo instead.

Source: KBR Motorsport

July 5, 2012

Affordable Infiniti M35h GT

The acclaimed fastest accelerating hybrid V6 saloon – the Infiniti M line – gets a new version model. It’s the M35h GT: a notch cheaper than the M35h GT Premium. Quite a notch actually, with £3970 in savings.

It is actually cleaner and more economical as an entry level version. It’s bellow the 160 g/km CO2 emission threshold. Nevertheless, you still get 302 hp from the 3.5 V6 power plant and 67 bhp from the electric motor that sends its power through a second clutch to the back axle.

Also, recent customer feedback have prompted the Infiniti people to offer separately the Connectiviti+ navigation system and the 16-speaker Bose surround sound system. Two entities that usually went as a package previously. As an option, you can also get a climate control system which Infiniti have named Forest Air. The seats will also be heated or ventilated, the lights will be bi-Xenon and will veer left and right depending on the steering input and the interior will be garnished with a white ash wood trim that’s been sprinkled with real silver powder.

What you don’t get on the GT but on the Premium GT is Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP).

Source: Infiniti

July 5, 2012

How to find the perfect offer for a used car?

Volkswagen is one of the biggest car manufacturer in the world. The brand is owned by VAG, which also has Porsche, Audi and some more. One of the best-selling vehicles in the 20^th century is Volkswagen Beetle followed by all series of VW Golf, which has been run since 1974. Until now, there are six series of the legendary Golf model with hundreds different sub-models and engines.

The used car market is huge and nowadays people always search for the best offer – low mileage car with a lot of extras and good condition. One of the good opportunities is to search for a volkswagen. They have a huge database with up to date offers, so the customers are able to choose carefully and to find the best possible car, which will suit to their needs.

Of course, Volkswagen and especially the Golf V model is a very good choice. Used vehicle on low mileage can be found as low as £3 000, which compared to a new vehicle costing five times more is superb offer.

Still, customers should be careful and always triple check their future cars. So, if you decide that a certain Volkswagen will suit to your needs, you have to check it’s history, repairs and recent updates.

And remember, try to avoid cars with over 100 thousand miles on the clock, because not always, but most of the times these cars are very “tired”.

July 4, 2012

Fourth Generation Renault Clio Debut

The neat and sexy Renault Clio is back for a fourth generation which will add even more versatility and style to the family. Despite being packed with new and exciting features and looking curvy as a maxi model, the 2013 Clio weighs around 100 kg less than it’s predecessor.

It’s also lower and with a wider track. That way, Renault have added aggression to an already impish hatch. The Clio’s face also looks menacing while the strictly 5-door policy emits a certain degree of seriousness. Inside, a predominantly minimalist dashboard appears in the form of an “aircraft wing”. As standard, from the Dynamicque trim and upwards, the 2013 Clio gets a seven-inch wide touchscreen R-Link system that connects you to the outside world. That includes a TomTom sat nav and a software that gives insight to the car’s electronic systems. Through it, one can access to an advanced eco-driving function which analyzes and aids the user’s driving style.

Renault Clio (2013)

And if it’s eco what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the two new engines that come with the fourth-gen Renault Clio. One is an Energy TCe 90 Petrol unit that has three cylinders and 0.9-liters of displacement. But because it’s turbocharged it develops 90 hp and still manages to average 65.7 mpg when taking into account the economy-optimised gearbox and the Stop&Start system. The second engine is a 1.5-liter Energy dCi 90 unit which also has 90 hp to play with but because it’s a diesel it returns even more economy – 88 mpg and even less CO2 emissions per kilometer. You get quite a lot of torque as well: 220 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.

For the more dynamic individuals, there will be the TCe 120 which will be available during the first half of 2013. We are talking about a 1.2-liter, 120 bhp engine that packs a 190 Nm punch at 1,750 rpm as well. The power will be transmitted through a six-speed EDC automatic transmission (EDC stands for Efficient Dual Clutch) – technology that has been unknown to the Clio range up until know. The dCi 90 engine will also have this gearbox as an option.

Further details of New Renault Clio will be provided at the international media road tests in September and at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Renault

July 4, 2012

Lamborghini Mark 45 Years of Presence in Japan

Lamorghini-Gallardo-LP560-4-Bianco-Rosso-thumb Lamborghini are celebrating their 45th year in Japan by launching a rather limited number of only 10 specially designed Gallardo LP560-4s. They will be cleverly named Bianco Rosso which basically means white and red.

A predominantly white car with elements such as the engine lid, side mirrors and brake calipers which are all red. A specially designed interior is also a part of the festive program and incorporates lots of red leather.

No words on any power enhancements so we’ll have to assume that the white and red Lamborghini Gallardo stays true to it’s name and develops 560 bhp from it’s 5.2-liter V10 engine. That’s enough power to do the 0-60 mph run in no more than 3.7 seconds. Also the “4” at the back of it’s name means that it’s AWD so no Balboni action for Japan.

Lamorghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bianco Rosso

Source: response.jp

July 4, 2012

Audi R8 Spyder GT by Wheelsandmore

There are only 333 Audi R8 Spyder models in the world. Now the German guys at Wheelsandmore have gotten their hands on not one, but three of them. They have a special program for them that focuses mainly on weight reduction and enhancing power. It’s the Wheelsandmore Audi R8 Spyder GT

Yes, it’s the standard treatment for the engine – an ECU tweak and carbon-framed sport’s filters make sure you get 620 hp and 590 Nm of torque from the R8‘s V8 mid-mounted power plant. A KW-Automotive suspension pack on the other hand, ensure you make good use of that power and still be able to hoover over the speed humps (thanks to a level-control-system that can lift the nose of the R8 with up to 40mm.)

The weight has been kept down partly because of the hand-crafted exhaust system, which is 40 percent lighter than the conventional one and partly because of the lightweight 6Sportz2 wheels that measure up to 11,0×20 and carry a tire size of 295/25/20.

For your money, you also get a dyno test certificate as an assurance and a remote-controlled valve flaps for the exhaust so that the Wheelsandmore Audi R8 Spyder GT is as sonorous as possible.

Source: Wheelsandmore

July 4, 2012

Audi S Competition Package for the TT Coupe

Your regular Audi TT can now be one step closer to the gods (the gods being the TTS and the TT RS) with the special edition Audi TT Coupe S line competition. Quite a mouthful but it might just be what makes the difference between mediocrity and exclusivity.

On the outside, a TT S line can be recognized by it’s distinctive bumpers and air inlets and side sills. There are also S line badges, specially designed tailpipes and a rear diffuser. Even more downforce can be generated by the RS-style fixed rear wing. The colors in which the TT S line comes sound rather sophisticated and pompous – Samoa Orange, Glacier White and Misano Red (the one here) just to name a few. As a contrast high-gloss black frames the front grille while matte black is used for the license plate, the radiator grille. Again high-gloss black adorns the mirror caps, the blade bellow the front bumper, the diffuser insert, the tailpipe trims and the rear wing spoiler. And the 5-spoked, 19-inch wheels are, you guessed it, also black. The whole stance is lowered by 10 mm so the 255/35 tires look even more impressive.

Inside, you get special door sill trims, an extended aluminum look trim, a leather package (there’s Alcantra involved as well, sports seats and a short traveling gear lever for the manual version. Even the steering wheel has an RS feel to it with it’s flat bottom and it’s leathery trim.

The Audi TT Coupe S line competition special edition is now available on the global market and one has the freedom to throw in any other options and trim lines at free will. The S line package is priced at 4,300 Euros ($5,422) and is applicable to all the models until the 211 bhp TT.

Source: Audi

July 4, 2012

2013 Puritalia 427 – first images released

The first images of the exciting 2013 Puritalia 427 have just been released and they convey the message that the car was inspired by the classic body shapes of the iconic 1965 Shelby Cobra. Of course, the Puritalia has an updated modern style and enhanced by the distinctive Italian design fingerprint.

The Puritalia 427 is a light and powerful 2-seater roadster, which will offer the lucky customers the best driving experience, great levels of comfort and daily driving use.

The car will be officially revealed to the world in the next year and will be produced in limited run of 100 units. It will be made available for those who are interested in purchasing through direct factory orders and a selected network of international dealerships.

Puritalia Automobili builds only exclusive Italian sport cars, which are designed for purist drivers and car enthusiasts. The cars are only handmade and in limited series, and are embodiment the Italian traditional craftsmanship.

2013 Puritalia 427 Specifications:

DIMENSIONS	L.171.259 in – W.76.850 in – H.49.409 in Front Track 62.598 in – Rear Track 62.992 in Wheelbase: 102.401 in – Weight: ~ 2403 Lbs (50/50)
CHASSIS	Aluminum semi-monocoque with Chromoly steel tubular subframes.
BODY	Roadster 2 seats – composite and carbon fiber body panels
ENGINE	Front mounted V8 5.0L 32V DOHC Ti-VCT Aspirated: 445Hp @ 6500rpm – 530Nm @ 4250rpm Supercharged: 605Hp @ 7000rpm – 640Nm @ 4500rpm
TRASMISSION	Rear wheel drive – 6 speeds manual transmission – Twin disc hydraulic clutch Limited Slip Differential – Aluminum driveshaft
SUSPENSIONS	Four-wheel Independent – Unequal length double wishbones with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry – two-way adjustable mono-tube shock absorbers – adjustable stabilizer bars
BREAKES	Hydraulically powered brake booster Front: Brembo 380mm/32 6 pistons Rear: Brembo 345mm/28 4 pistons
TIRES	Pirelli Pzero – Front: 275/35R19 – Rear: 335/30R20

Souce: Puritalia

July 3, 2012

Possible cooperation between BMW and Toyota

BMW and Toyota have discussed an interesting opportunity to work together in order to create unique sports car. The jointly developed model could be a way for Toyota to leap back into a performance segment it has abandoned or possibly provide a high-priced sports model for Toyota’s Lexus brand.

The two of the biggest car manufacturers agreed to work together on an “environmentally friendly” sports car as well as on fuel-cell, electric vehicle components and lightweight materials.

“BMW’s strength is in developing sports cars,” commented Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a racing fan who repeatedly has said he wants to add zest to Toyota’s lineup.

“I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship.”, he added.

Toyoda and BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer signed the agreement in Munich.

Further details have not been discussed, but the sports car will not be identical or share a common exterior design like the jointly developed Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S coupes.

There are speculations of returning the Supra model, possibly using the BMW 6-series architecture. However, this is only a rumor.

“Anything is possible,” said the senior BMW manager.

“The key factor is that the products of both companies retain their own individual character, despite jointly developed technologies.”, he added.

Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc. in suburban Detroit, said Toyota could use technology from the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

“It would be an expensive car,” Jim Hall said.

“There is an argument that Lexus needs it and that is the logical place for them to do it.”, he added.

In March, BMW agreed to supply Toyota with its diesel engines starting in 2014 in exchange for collaboration on lithium-ion battery research.

Stay tuned for more information about this interesting cooperation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tdZU-7K2bs

July 3, 2012

2015 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Concept by Slimane Toubal

2015 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is an incredible Gullwing vehicle which is a design creation by Slimane Toubal. Exactly with this project the designer won the Design !ndex Awards Contest 3rd Edition. And if you take a look at the pictures below you will definitely know why!

Undoubtedly, the model of Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of the most beautiful cars in the whole world. Since the first version, which was presented to the world in the distant 1954, this car became a dream car for millions of people around the globe.

2015 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Concept by Slimane Toubal

It is amazing how after 58 years, this Mercedes-Benz is still a big legend and has captured the minds and hearts of so many. Obviously, a lot of designers are keen on working over design concepts on this particular model.

2015 Mercedes 300SL Roadster by Slimane is one of the best that we have ever seen. Slimane is an automotive design modeler, which has an experience of over 20 years in the different cars company as clay modeler or digital modeler. This definitely gave hime the freedom to effortlessly design this version of the popular Roadster.

The 300 SL Gullwing is one of his favorite car and this is why he decided to enter the contest with and interpretation on it. In fact, he didn’t use any sketch to build the car, just the blueprint of the actual Mercedes SLS as package.

Some pictures of the original one Slimane used to keep the DNA of the car. We can see how he preserved the three stripes on the body side, which are symbol for the 300. The wheels have a vintage outlook and give the supercar a special character. This could be a nice 60 years anniversary version for 2014, what do you think?

July 3, 2012

McLaren MP4-12C Spider revealed

McLaren has just announced that McLaren MP4-12C Spider is now officially launched. The new 12C Spider has a lightweight, high powered engine which develops the incredible 625 horsepower (460 kW), has a RHT folding roof system and a carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis which is identical to that of the groundbreaking 12C.

The impressive output of the McLaren comes from the bespoke 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine which is mated to the 7 Speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. Spiders dynamics technology including Brake Steer, ProActive Chassis Control and the unique McLaren Airbrake. The latter delivers comfort in all driving conditions, and at the same time a great race car performance and handling on track.

The Retractable Hard Top is unique system of the 12C Spider which is operating utilizing a switch in the lower section of the centre console inside the cabin. In fact, it takes less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. And of course, the roof can be opened while 12C Spider is moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (19mph).

The 12C Spider also includes a passive Roll Over Protection System which optimizes passengers and drivers safety. Each buttress contains a steel structure, which was made to absorb impact energy and protect the occupants.

Furthermore, this amazing sportscar will be launched in Volcano Red. However, there are also 17 more exterior paint finishes which are going to be available.

The interior of the car includes an exclusive new trim, which has been developed for the 2013 model year 12C and new 12C Spider. High quality semi-aniline perforated leather and Alcantara are optional choices for the customers. Moreover, there is a new wheel design in Diamond Cut, Standard Silver or Stealth finishes.

As an optional choice will be also available the Vehicle Lift system, which allows the 12C Spider to be raised front and rear for improved ground clearance

McLaren 12C Spider is now available to order worldwide, its starting price begins from £195 500 and the first deliveries to customers are planned for November this year.

A short comparison between 12C Spider’s performance and 12C is below:

	MP4-12C Spider* (625 PS/616 bhp)	MP4-12C * (625 PS/616 bhp)
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	3.1 sec	3.1 sec
0-100mph (0-161kph)	6.1	6.0
0-124 mph(0-200 kph)	9.0 sec	8.8 sec
¼ mile (400m)	10.8 sec @ 134 mph (216 kph)	10.6 sec @ 136 mph (219 kph)
V Max	204 mph (329 kph)	207 mph (333 kph)
Fuel efficiency, EU MPG (litres/100km)	24.2 (11.7)	24.2 (11.7)
CO2 g/km	279	279

McLaren MP4-12C Spider technical specifications:

Drivetrain layout	Longitudinal mid-engine, RWD
Engine configuration	V8 twin turbo
Engine material	Aluminium block and cylinder heads
Oiling	Dry sump
Compression ratio	8.7:1
Valvetrain	32-valve, DOHC, dual VVT
Redline ( rpm)	8,500
Bore x Stroke (mm)	93 x 69.9
Engine displacement (cc)	3799
PS / rpm	625 / 7500
Torque Nm / rpm	600 / 3000-7000
PS per litre	164
Transmission	7 Speed SSG
Body structure	Carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames
Wheelbase (mm)	2670
Track, F/R (mm)	1656 / 1583
Length (mm)	4509
Width (mm) @ widest point	2093
Height (mm)	1203
DIN weight (kg / lbs)	1474 / 3249
Dry weight (kg / lbs)	1376 / 3033
Dry weight with lightweight options (kg / lbs)	1341 / 2956
Weight distribution at DIN F / R %	42 / 58
Active aerodynamics	McLaren Airbrake
Suspension	ProActive Chassis Control
ProActive Chassis Control modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Powertrain modes	Winter / Normal / Sport / Track
Brakes	Cast iron discs with forged aluminum hubs (F 370mm / R 350 mm)
Wheel sizes (F / R)	19” x 8.5”J / 20” x 11” J
Tyres (F / R)	Pirelli PZero 235/35 R19 / 305/30 R20

Source: McLaren

July 3, 2012

Kia Release Top-Of-The-Range Sportage KX-4

From today on, if you’re looking for the top-of-the-range Kia Sportage, the KX-4 should answer your call. It’s the most powerful version of the established crossover with over 180 bhp under its hood and a bag full of technology which is supposed to make your life easier.

Let’s start with the engine, which is a turbocharged diesel. It has 2.0-liters of displacement, a cool abbreviation of CRD and it sends its power to all the four wheels through a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual – your choice. Peak torque (383 Nm) can be found at 1,800 rpm and it will stay with you until the 2,500 rpm mark. The automatic works with the even more 392 Nm of torque. The extra 47 bhp over the previous version of the engine is courtesy to the variable geometry turbocharger, the higher pressure injectors and the ECU remapping. In real life, that means 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, a top speed of 120 mph, 46.3 mpg and 158 g/km of CO2 emissions. The automatic falls behind a little with the economy – 39.2 mpg – but it’s out there. Especially when you think that the Sportage KX-4 is strictly All-Wheel-Drive. The system is clever enough to send all the power to the front wheels on flat roads and then start playing with the ratio depending on the terrain (up to 60:40 front-to-rear power distribution is achievable).

In terms of equipment, we can safely say that it is based on the “KX-3 Sat Nav” with the addition of a Parallel Parking Assist System, a keyless smart entry system and an engine stop/start button. The leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon automatic lights, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cruse control, reversing camera amd seven-speaker sound system, account for the other standard luxuries found in the Korean crossover.

Prices in the UK for the Kia Sportage KX-4 start from £27,195 ($42 633) and one can place an order right now.

Source: Kia

July 2, 2012

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