Automobiles Review – Page 859 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

1953 Timossi-Ferrari ‘Arno XI’ Racing Hydroplane [VIDEO]

1953 Timossi-Ferrari ‘Arno XI’ Racing Hydroplane is literally unique. Being built the beginning of the 50’s this one-of-a-kind hydroplane Ferrari is powered by a twin-supercharged 4.5-liter Ferrari Tipo 375 F1 V-12 engine.

Moreover, this powerful V12 is equipped with twin four-barrel carburetors. And if you wonder about the horsepower it produces, well … can you even imagine that an engine which is built in the middle of the last century can produce more than 600 horsepower?

To be hones, at first I couldn’t. But there were some videos recently made, which prove that this is in fact true. Take a look at one of them below, and see and hear for your own self how powerful this engine sounds.

This achingly beautiful and historic Ferrari was recently sold for $1 124 060 in RM Auctions’ Monaco sale. It weighs less than 1764 pounds and has been restored for the sale.

httpv://youtu.be/03Onlgc_hj4

Video Source: YouTube

Pictures Source: rmauctions

June 22, 2012

2013 BMW 3 Series Saloon with enhanced model line-up

2013 BMW 3 Series Saloon will now be offered in hybrid version, four-wheel-drive and M Sport variant. The production of 320i xDrive, ActiveHybrid 3 and M Sport versions will start from this July along with the 330d. Then the production of the 316i and 320i EfficientDynamics will follow from November.

First, the ActiveHybrid 3 is one-of-a-kind. It is powered by the BMW TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine which works in collaboration with a 40kW (55 hp) electric motor. Therefore it can generate 340 hp (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, reaching 100 km/h from zero in just 5.3 seconds.

The electric power is supplied by its high-performance lithium-ion battery. Thanks to which combined fuel consumption is of 47.9mpg and the CO2 emissions are of 139g/km.

More practical and economical, these are the synonyms of this BMW model. The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 starting price begins at £40 225 and will be in SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specification.

Next, the xDrive will deliver its customers the stability and safety of four-wheel-drive to the 3 Series. It will be added at first on the 320i model, which is powered by the 184 hp (135 kW) TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The latter is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. 320i xDrive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and has fuel consumption and CO2 figures of 41.5mpg and 159g/km.

There is also an optional choice for transmission here, which is the eight-speed automatic one, which enhances the economy and emissions. The initial price of this model stars at £27 400.

BMW eight-speed Sport automatic transmission comes as a standard to the new 330d. The vehicle is propelled by the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 258 hp (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque.

This astounding power speaks for itself with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Despite that it is also supremely efficient and has a combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 129g/km. The new BMW 330d Saloon is priced from £33 280.

Going further, M Sport specification will be now added to all variants of the BMW 3 Series Saloon. This special trim builds on the striking styling of the new 3 Series and its agile and dynamic character. It adds one-of-a-kind interior and exterior design changes and chassis upgrades.

Moreover, standard features here include 18-inch M Star-spoke alloy wheels, M Sport suspension and M aerodynamic body styling with High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. Dakota leather upholstery is standard alongside a unique M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, Anthracite headlining, M Sport seats and M designation door sill finishers, Sport+ function added to the Drive Performance Control switch, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with an Estoril Blue finisher, Black finisher, Brushed Aluminium interior trim.

But the enhancement of the 3 Series does not stop here. The 316i Saloon and 320i EfficientDynamics Saloon will be presented in November. The 316i is powered by a 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine and generates 136 hp (100 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. It has a combined economy of 47.9mpg, CO2 emissions of 137g/km* and can reach zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. Its starting price is £22 850.

On the other hand the 320i EfficientDynamics has a fuel economy of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions down to 124g/km, being powered by the 170 hp (125 kW) version of the 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo engine punching out 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. It will be available priced at £25 730.

Source: BMW

June 22, 2012

DMC Fakhuna: Aston Martin DB-S boasting more style and performance

German Luxury Tuner DMC has launched a number of successfull Refinement Packages, including the recent Lamborghini Gallardo “Toro” and the Aventador “Molto Veloce”. While only some models make it through a number of harsch project phases before being invested and approved internally, some design never make it to the production stage. Introducing the DMC “Fakhuna”, a concept design for the Aston Martin DB-S.

Most significant change is an aggressive new front bumper fascia, which is equipped with larger air-intakes and a spoiler lip. Between the front and rear side, striking side skirt attachments render an integrated design and give the Aston a lowered and more stretched look. In order to reduce the lifting forces at the back axle, DMC engineers envisioned a shapely spoiler which can be fitted on the rear lid and enhanced with a matching three-part rear diffuser. The latter optically extends the side skirts downwards and skilfully enhances the two end pipes of the DMC sport exhaust system. Basically, carbon fiber and real actual gold are the dominant colours in this styling package.

One of the technical highlights in the tuning programme will be the new three-part DMC forged alloy wheel. The rim combines both sportiness as well as elegance. The concave rims and the titanium bolting emphasise the dynamism of the wheel, the highly-polished rim flange on the other hand renders a noble appearance. DMC offers the wheel/tyre combination measuring 9,0Jx21 inches with 245/30ZR21 tyres at the front and 10,5Jx21 rims with tyres measuring 295/25ZR21. The new aluminium wheels are accentuated with special chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity of the Aston by 30 mm at the front axle and by 20 mm at the rear axle. At the same time, this enhances the handling of this sports car.

As part of the performance upgrade, the Duesseldorf based engineers developed sport catalysers and sport end mufflers. The components made of titanium steel render an impressive sound setting and emphasise the sportive value of the DMC-makeover.

While the Fakhuna has not made it into the regular production lines, DMC gives the design, which was developed by Dutch artist Wildspeed, a chance to be realized as custom order.

Source: DMC

June 22, 2012

Loder1899 Ford Focus TDCI

Again a tuned up estate. This time it’s from the guys at Loder1899 and the car in question is a Ford Focus, so that’s unusual. And by unusual, we mean rare and exclusive. It’s a fairly flexible program that makes use of an aerodynamic kit, a few suspension and wheels options plus a power enhancement for…the diesel range.

At the front we can find a “cupspoiler”, on the sides of the focus, you can go for the carbon or non-carbon side skirts. At the back, an apron with the diffuser is supposed to keep the back end planted…because otherwise you might skid off the road while doing power slides on the way to the grocery store.

If required, the Focus can be lowered with a suspension kit by around 35 mm. There’s a choice between a single or dual pipe exhaust system and a wheel spectrum that ranges from 17 to 20 inches.

The Loder1899 Ford Focus Estate we see here is a 2.0-liter TDCI that has 140 bhp as standard. By fitting the company’s ECU upgrade, we can get 55 bhp more. So that’s 195 bhp and 395 Nm of torque as soon as 2000 rpm. The top speed is now 220 km/h and the zero to 100 km/h time stands at 8.4 seconds as opposed to 8.9 seconds. The one thing that has remained pretty much the same ford this Ford Focus, is the economy- 5.0 l/100 km on the combined cycle.

Source: Loder1899

June 22, 2012

2013 Hennessey Performance Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 V8 Biturbo with HPE700 Upgrade

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is originally powered by the astounding 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8, which is one of the greatest naturally aspirated V8 in the world. This engine generates 557PS (410 kW) at a torque of 800Nm (590 lb-ft).

The engine of the E63 AMG is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which has three driving modes for the driver to enjoy: S, S+ and M. The AMG Performance package of the Mercedes-Benz also includes AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara, red-painted brake calipers, electric rear window blind and genuine carbon fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid for the Saloon.

2013 Hennessey Performance Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 V8 Biturbo

What have the tuners from Hennessey Performance added to this already perfect car in their effort to make it even greater? The answer is – the HPE700 Upgrade Package. This one includes HPE Air Induction System Modification, HPE Engine Management Calibration, Dyno Tuning, Hennessey Exterior Badging, Serial-Numbered Dash and Engine Plaques.

Some optional upgrades added to this exciting Mercedes-Benz are the Premium Wheel & Tire Packages, Suspension Upgrades, Carbon Fiber Trim Accessories. And if you have always wondered how one can improve an already perfect car, you would probably have to take the example given by Hennessey.

Source: Hennessey Performance

June 22, 2012

Vauxhall Corsa Turns to the Dark Side

It’s a Corsa Black. Don’t worry, AMG are still doing what they should be doing (Mercs). This one here is just a special ‘Black Edition‘ from Vauxhall. It’s not just stitches on the steering wheel and fresh new cup holders on it however. No, the Vauxhall Corsa Black Edition introduces a whole new engine to the range.

It’s a 1.4 liter turbo engine that develops 120 PS and 175 Nm which start at 1,750 rpm. To our ears, which are used to hearing blistering performance figures, a Vmax of 121 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds sounds like ages. But let’s be real about it and say that this is pretty swift. It should be fun to drive as well despite the lack of suspension tweaking. It might be fun at the gas station also. Because it has a Start/Stop system and is turbocharged, the Corsa Black retains a stunning fuel economy of 51.4 mpg.

On the outside some of the Black Edition features include color oriented bumpers, side skirts and a black rear spoiler. For some extra aggression, the front and back lights are also dark styled and the rear side windows are tinted in black. You get fog lights as well. Finally there’s a “Black” logo somewhere along the lines and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside you do get a leather steering wheel but also some leather sports seats, sports pedals, silver stitching and matt chrome air vent surrounds. You can opt for some clever tech if you wish. Think in terms of Vauxhall‘s Touch and Connect infotainment system, climate control and adaptive forward lightning. There will be only 500 examples of it (3-door and 5-door versions) so in a way, it will be pretty exclusive. Did we mention that the body color is black?

Source: Vauxhall

June 22, 2012

Lumma Design BMW M6

The BMW M6 is not yet fully out but Lumma Design cannot wait any longer. Here’s a brief glimpse of what they intend on doing to it. Don’t worry, no Mses have been hurt during the process. Their idea is, quite unsurprisingly, is to make the new BMW M6 “even more” sporty and appealing.

How are they going to that? With carbon fiber of course. What we can see here is a complete aerodynamic kit comprising of bumpers, side skirts and vents and everything. The wheel arches are now flaring with their full force, and the carbon fiber hood leaves a lasting impression and hopefully, it saves weight. From the diffuser at the back, sticks out a Lumma central double-pipe exhaust system. Multi-piece wheels provided from the company measure up to 12.5×21. That’s a serious caliber.

On the inside, Lumma have made an effort as well. Once you step in, a mash up of leather, Alcantra and carbon fiber overwhelms you. Elegance plus Sportiness – it is a well known formula.

The BMW M6 with it’s bi-tubro V8 engine and it’s 412 kW of power go out on sale near the Fall. Lumma Design plan to bring out their own BMW M6 by the end of this year.

Source: Lumma Design

June 22, 2012

Kelleners Sport BMW M5 F10

It was not long ago when we got a word from Kelleners Sport about their work on the BMW 5 Touring F11 Series – a somewhat subtle and refined job, perfectly appropriate for the mildly sensible man. With this one though, they have gone an extra mile. It’s an F10 BMW M5 and according to the figures, it’s one of their most powerful products yet.

The program is called the KS5-S and it boost the M5‘s 4.4-liter V8 to 600 hp. That’s around 40 bhp on top. Because of that, the top speed is now 330 km/h but one would not have to reach such extremes to notice the additional power. The Kelleners Sport valve-controlled stainless-steel rear silencers with four 90 mm diameter tailpipes will make sure you get the point as soon as you turn the key.

On the outside, the mirror-caps have been given a carbon fiber makeover. That is also true for the Kellener rear spoiler and diffuser. The front lip spoiler and side mouldings complete the custom aerodynamic kit.

As for the suspension, again a Kelleners Sport system has been provided which can be height adjusted but also rebound and compression configurable. Throw in two pairs of Kelleners “Hamburg” wheels 9×20 and 10×20 respectively and you get little to no space for the wheel housings.

Inside, a typical BMW-ish environment has been supplemented by black leather seats with gray stitching. On the front two head restraints there’s the Kelleners Sport logo. The wheel is also new, the floor mats are from velour and the pedals are all aluminum.

The beauty if this program is that if you don’t like something, rule it out. Everything is available individually.

Source: Kelleners Sport

June 22, 2012

Prior Design Widebody Kit BMW 5 Series E60

Proper E60 nostalgia coming from Prior Design. It’s a complete “Widebody Aerodynamic-Kit” for the previous BMW 5 Series. Willing to add some character to your old bimmer?

We are talking high grade materials here that are easy to fit, flex and paint. The kit consists of a front bumper, hood air-scoops (which are more like vents), two front fenders, side skirts, rear fenders, a rear bumper and finally a trunk spoiler as optional. All is TÜV certified so you know it’s Prior – quality is their signature. Must say, the end result is rather pleasant. Fattening, but pleasant.

It will cost you however. A price shy of 4000 Euros or in other words around 5000 Dollars. That’s a lot of character we think.

Source: Prior Design

June 22, 2012

MINI Countryman in steampunk style by Carlex Design

This MINI Countryman is an exceptional, extraordinary and one-of-a-kind design concept project created by the talented designers from Carlex Design.

Undoubtedly what has been presented with the pictures below, show that this project will include unique interior in bronze and copper, and will probably include some interesting and eye-catching technologies.

Carlex Design MINI Countryman in steampunk style

Furthermore, the same color scheme can be seen on the exterior of the Countryman. Its designers categorize it as a MINI in a steampunk style. In addition they aim to do something that has never been done before.

Most of parts for the tuning are ready and the project is in an ongoing work, where upholsters, and various craftsmen are working hard to complete perfectly even the smallest, minute details. We are excitingly looking forward to seeing this project eventually completed, aren’t we?

Source: Carlex Design

June 21, 2012

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car powered by Land Rover

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car are a result of the work of collaboration between Bowler and Land Rover. Both vehicles will proudly sport ‘Powered by Land Rover’ branding.

Furthermore, they demonstrate great engineering and rally design. The partnership will put attention on the Bowler EXR rally car, but engineering, development and parts supply will be shared with the new Bowler EXR S. The latter is the first ‘all terrain supercar’ designed to satisfy customer’s demand for the ultimate road-going rally car.

In particular, both the EXR and EXR S models use a modified version of the Range Rover Sport chassis. What they also share is the modified versions of the 5.0-litre V8 engine also utilized in Range Rover models.

The difference here is that the EXR uses a FIA-restricted naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This one is restricted to 300 hp (221 kW) maximum power and 582 Nm (428 lb-ft) maximum torque. The EXR is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and Ricardo front, centre and rear differentials.

On the other hand the EXR S uses a 550 hp (405 kW) modification of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8. With such power and torque of 702 Nm (518 lb-ft) the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. The EXR S engine is mated to the six-speed ZF automatic transmission and E-diff from the Range Rover Sport 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged.

Bowler will have a large presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed happening very soon: from 28th of June till 1st of July. There it will showcase and run five rally cars on the Activity Field, and where the preview of EXR S will happen.

Source: Land Rover

June 21, 2012

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line in showrooms in September

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will now have a new trim line called Tech Line. We have seen the same Tech Line up already in the Vauxhall’s models Astra, Insignia and Mokka SUV.

Now the Zafira Tourer will also take advantage from the excellent specifications of the new trim line. The wide range of standard equipment were includes Navi 600 satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Furthermore, some premium features were added such as chrome lower window mouldings, silver roof rails and high gloss black B-pillar and black mirror accents, and dark tinted rear glass.

The engine choice here consists of two petrol and three diesel options: a 1.4 Turbo and 1.8-litre petrol or one of two 2.0-litre diesel units with 130 hp (96 kW) or 165 hp (121 kW). The third diesel engine is the most special one – the 2.0 CDTi (130hp/96 kW) ecoFLEX start/stop engine combining 119g/km of CO2 with 62.8 combined mpg.

The Zafira Tourer Tech Line will arrive at dealerships in September this year.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line specifications and pricing:

Model Zafira Tourer	Engine	Body style	Trans	On-the-road RRP (£)	CO2 (g/km)
Tech Line	1.8 (140PS)	5 Door MPV	5 speed manual	19,785.00	169
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,095.00	154
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,435.00	144
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	21,500.00	164
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,495.00	137
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS) ecoFLEX Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,725.00	119
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	22,110.00	139
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	23,395.00	159

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line ecoFLEX 2.0 CDTi 16v (130PS) Start/Stop

Equipment	Zafira Tourer Tech Line 2.0CDTi 16v (130PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Ford Grand C-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS)	Ford S-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS) S/S
Sat Nav	Yes	No	No
DAB Radio	Yes	Yes	No
USB Connectivity	Yes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	17”	16”	16”
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	No	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Yes	Yes	Yes

Source: Vauxhall

June 21, 2012

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