Automobiles Review – Page 860 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Racing One Audi R8 V10 5.2 Quattro

Racing One has announced their tuning package for Audi R8 V10 5.2 Quattro. The company is motor sports service provider and event organizer from Rhineland.

The tuned Audi R8 received full styling and performance packages. The mighty 5.2 liter V10 from Gallardo is pumped to 610HP (449 kW) thanks to a new ECU re-map and a complete Akrapovic sport titanium exhaust system.

The suspension has been also revised with 2-way MDS dampers from Bilstein Motorsport, brake pads by Performance Friction Brakes and in-house brake cooling. The interior received 6-point belts, braces and fire extinguisher. For perfection traction, Racing One has installed a complete set of semi-slicks.

The exterior is styled by Cam Shaft Kempen. The complete rebuild of Audi R8 V10 5.2 is € 26 000.

Check out the full list of events for 2012 below.

Events 2012:

Below you will find an overview of the planned event days.

Fascination V10 & R8 Co-PilotRide

Event location: Hockenheimring

Sunday, May 20, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, October, 14 2012

Event location: Bilster Berg Drive Resort

Sunday, September 09, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012

Event location: EuroSpeedway Lausitz

Sunday, May 27, 2012 (Pentecost)
Friday, June15, 2012
Friday, October 05, 2012

Event location: Nürburgring

Friday, November 02, 2012

Exclusive: V10 Performance-Training

Event location: Bosch test track Boxberg

Saturday, June 09, 2012
Sunday. June,10, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012

Source: Racing One

June 21, 2012

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen

Here’s a rare find. A BMW Z4 E89 radically transformed by the Japan-based Rowen house. In a few words: extensive use of carbon fiber materials, big wheels and … LEDs.

A new front apron with splitter sits at the front (there are also the LEDs), the side skirts have been redesigned and the tips of the exhaust pipes are all titanium. If that carbon wing at the back was a tad bigger, the Z4 would be pretty reminiscent of a full-blown GT car.

We cannot omit stating the obvious that the wheels are new and the suspension has been lowered. When it comes to a price, the Rowen Z4 White Wolf RR is staged so you’ll end up somewhere in between the 493,500 Yen to 756,000 Yen range. That is $6,200-$9,500.

Do we need to remind you that, at it’s best the E89 has a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter straight six. That’s 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, crunched by a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and good for a 4.8 second run to the 62nd mile an hour landmark.

httpv://youtu.be/TvNoHlg3Rvk

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen - Front Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR Rear Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR - Side

Source: carbuzz.com

Video Source: TOMMYKAIRA000 via YouTube

June 21, 2012

Bentley Continental GT Speed Debuts’s at Goodwood

Excited? You should be as the fastest production Bentley is coming our way. It’s the Continental GT Speed which will save us from recent letdowns and from common sense. It’s back to the W12 engine for this one. The international debut will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 while deliveries should begin later in October.

Despite remaining at 6.0-liters, the new GT Speed‘s core has 625 bhp and sends 800 Nm of torque to the wheels – all four of them. That’s a 25 bhp and 50 Nm leap from the 2007 Bentley Continental GT Speed. For the new one, it will take only 4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and it will continue to accelerate to 205 mph.

An updated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission copes with the figures mentioned figures. A clever piece of software tells it how and when to do shifts so that they come and go smoothly and lightning fast. The gear ratios are pretty close which means faster acceleration but Bentley are adamant that the economy is up as well.

21-inch wheels fill in the wheel housings and enable the Speed to put some fancy trainers – 275/35/R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires. The suspension has been updates as well. It’s lower at the very least.

Just so that at Bentley guarantee you distinguish it, the grille is subtly updated, the tailpipes have a “riffled” finish at the tips. Inside, the standard Mulliner Driving spec offers comfort and refinement which go along perfectly with a number of GT Speed signature elements.

Catch more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which starts at the 28th of June.

Bentley Continental GT Speed (2013)

Source: Bentley

June 20, 2012

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L extend the C range

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L are the new models which are part of the Citroen‘s goal to extend the C range. They come with highly specific personalities, which are designed with a lot of style, technology, innovation and quality.

First, the 2013 Citroen C-Elysee has been developed with the aim to meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers and passengers. As you can see the car is very harmonious, prestigious and robust in styling.

Furthermore it has an innovative interior design which offers a spaciousness and comfort. The rear compartment is befitting of a saloon in the category above and the large boot offers 506-litres VDA – thanks to a 2.65m wheelbase.

On board, one can find comfort-enhancing equipment, which includes air conditioning with digital readout, to an MP3 audio system with Bluetooth®.

c will be equipped with the latest generation VTi 72 petrol engine. It combines great performance with excellent fuel consumption and durability. Furthermore, the model also benefits from new chassis and suspension development.

2013 Citroen C-Elysee will be at dealerships at the end of 2012.

2013 Citroen C4 L is in fact positioned at the top of the C segment. It offers positive energy, style and elegance, range-topping finish, relaxing ride and standard-setting onboard comfort.

The elegant and dynamic lines at the front and rear are complemented by quiet and refined interior. The lounge-like rear compartment is the effect of model’s long wheelbase. It includes wraparound seats, backrests inclined to 29° and headrests designed for added comfort.

Some of the innovative technologies included in this Citroen are hands-free access and start, touch-screen GPS, reversing camera, fully heated windscreen and air ioniser.

The vehicle is fitted with the latest generation petrol engines: the THP 150 and 170, and the VTi 135. All three can be mated to a new automatic and sequential 6-speed gearbox.

2013 Citroen C4 L will be at dealerships in the first half of 2013.

Source: Citroen

June 20, 2012

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish revealed

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish has just been unveiled and this new version of the car is promising every driver the highest level of excitement and thrill.

This breath-taking new super grand tourer comes equipped with the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine. The latter is promised to be even more powerful than before.

The exterior design of the car represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. As you can see it includes new styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades.

One is sure – once you see it you will unquestioningly know that this is an Aston Martin. Furthermore, details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid can also be seen on the new model. This feature counteracts lift at the car’s rear when traveling at speed.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

In fact Vanquish is a true expression of Aston Martin’s design philosophy, engineering innovation and technical ability. It not only offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability, but also is capable to offer unforgettable driving excitement.

As mentioned, the car is powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. It is mated to the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. Therefore it is no surprise that the car generates 573 horsepower (421 kW) at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) is just in 4.1 seconds and the top speed of the Vanquish is estimated to be 183 mph. Despide the great power figures, this supercar is promised to economically and emissions-wise improved.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish Interior

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. At the same time the torsional rigidity is enhanced by more than 25 percent.

Further practical improvements have been also featured: newly designed and spacious cabin and a boot of 368 litres are just couple of the examples.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish starting price is £189,995 and is expected to be delivered at the dealerships in Europe at the end of this year.

Source: Aston Martin

June 20, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY – pricing announced

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is the third generation of the ML-Class, equipped with a V8 petrol version. Furthermore, it includes new safety features such as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA)*. The new ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY will be arriving at dealerships in autumn this year.

First, the new turbocharged BlueDIRECT V8 of this Mercedes-Benz SUV model is a direct injection petrol engine. More importantly however, it offers excellent performance along with top-class efficiency. The powerful V8 engine generates 300 kW (408 hp) at 600 Nm of torque and is available at a much lower engine speed of 1600 rpm.

Despite reduced displacement, the high output is achieved thanks to the two exhaust gas turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. V8 also includes third-generation direct fuel injection system with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors combined with multi-spark ignition.

All this results in outstanding fuel economy, which is additionally improved by the comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures. For example it includes the ECO start/stop function which comes as standard, the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, low-friction axle drives, electric steering, optimised belt drive, on-demand control of the ancillary components.

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY

Summary of key data for all ML-Class models:

	ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC	ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	ML 63 AMG
No. of cylinders/ arrangement	4 in-line	V6	V6	V8	V8
Displacement cc	2143	2987	3498	4663	5461
Rated output kW (hp)	150 (204)	190 (258)	225 (306)	300 (408)	386 (525)
Max. torque Nm	500	620	370	600	700
NEDC combined consumption l/100 km g CO2/km	6.0 – 6.5 158 – 170	6.8 – 7.4 179 – 194	8.5 – 8.8 199 – 206	11.0 – 11.5 258 – 269	11.8 276
0-100 km/h s	9.0	7.4	7.6	5.6	4.8
Top speed km/h	210	224	235	250*	250*
Emissions standard	EU6	EU6	EU 5	EU 5	EU 5

Furthermore the new ML 500 features a comprehensive package of safety features. Active safety is further enhanced thanks to the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA)* with adaptive Brake Assist as standard.

The Mercedes-Benz runs on the elegant 5-twin-spoke 48.3 cm (19″) alloy wheels, included in the ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY delivery package, or on the all-new 5-spoke 53.3 cm (21″) alloy wheels from Mercedes-Benz Accessories.

The interior of the vehicle features multicontour seats for driver and front passenger, which of course offer more comfort due to the new massage functions included. In the cockpit can be found the TFT display positioned between the two instrument dials.

The emblematic exterior of the ML can be further enhanced by the AMG Exterior Sports package, which is optional, and includes special body-colored front apron, rear apron and side skirts, in addition to 48.3 cm (19″) 5-spoke high-sheen AMG alloy wheels.

The same package improves the outlook of the exterior thanks to the luxurious designo Exclusive package in black, maroon or porcelain. This feature includes seats, instrument display, door centre panels, door arm rests, beltlines and centre console upholstered in nappa leather, in addition to the designo roof lining in black DINAMICA microfibre.

The new ML 500 features ON&OFFROAD package. It has six driving modes, which optimize the driving dynamics and handling safety of the vehicle and deliver optimum drive system control. In particular, the driver can select from one automatic mode, two special off-road modes and three on-road modes using a rotary control in the centre console.

2013 ML-Class models prices:

ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€46,550.00	€55,394.50
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€49,700.00	€59,143.00
ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€48,050.00	€57,179.50
ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€63,050.00	€75,029.50
ML 63 AMG	€91,500.00	€108,885.00

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 20, 2012

Behind the Smoke Two – Palm Beach Rain Drifting and Wrecking

A great video with some nice drifts has been published on youtube by GTchannel.

Daijiro Yoshihara suffered a devastating defeat at Formula Drift round 2 Atlanta. After that he flew to Malaysia to judge FD Asia, but now he is back in the US to take on round 3 Palm Beach.

There are sour memories of Palm Beach from last year when he was knocked out at top 32 but this time around he can’t afford to miss the podium. Both first place JTP and second place Daigo Saito lead the overall standings and could leave Dai behind if he doesn’t perform well this round.

He’s off to a rough start as it starts raining minutes before his qualifying run…

Round 3 Palm Beach was very emotional and difficult for the racers, because of the rain. There were a lot of crashes, but still everybody are happy and satisfied.

Behind the Smoke gives a look into the real life of 2011 Formula Drift champion, Daijiro Yoshihara.

GTChannel’s cameras follow Dai throughout the 2012 FD season both on and off the track giving drifting fans an exclusive look into what it takes to compete in the top professional drifting series of N.America.

The episode is produced by GTChannel in association with Discount Tire/America’s Tire and supported by Falken Tire, GoPro and Netflix.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4S9P_z8jaU&feature=plcp

Source: GTchannel via Youtube

June 20, 2012

2013 Ford Tourneo Custom

Ford has announced the new dynamic Tourneo Custom, which will hit the market later this year. It was presented as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show and the production version will be unveiled at the 2012 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

“The bold new Tourneo Custom signals the start of a revolution in Ford’s commercial vehicle range,” commented Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“It’s a fantastic-looking people mover – inside and out – and offers outstanding day-to-day, real world practicality as well as being great to drive.”, he added.

The Tourneo Custom has an advanced, streamlined profile based on the same “Kinetic” design approach popular on Ford passenger cars. This includes a sportier stance, bold rising shoulder line, flush glazing, distinctive trapezoidal grille and prominent wheel lips.

The van is available in 8 or 9-seat configurations and a choice of short wheelbase (4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (5.34 metres).

The interior also features car-like style and sophistication. The stylish, sculpted driver-focussed instrument panel features technologies closely-related to those found in the Ford car range. The cockpit is further enhanced by a highly adjustable driving position with the steering column adjustable for reach and rake.

The rear seats boast completely new design that can be easily folded into multiple configurations and removed in segments or completely. Rear passengers enjoy a spacious environment and comfortable, fully-trimmed cabin.

The high level of technology offered by Tourneo Custom includes the following features:

ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including standard Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging on all Stage V emission vehicles
SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control
Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
Advanced restraint system – includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror
Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel

There is only one engine, but with three power ratings: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a standard Auto-Start-Stop. Tourneo Custom has superb fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km and 182 g/km CO2 emissions.

The Tourneo Custom and other all-new Ford Commercial Vehicles will be revealed in 2012, starting at the Birmingham CV Show in April.

no images were found

Source: Ford

June 20, 2012

Vorsteiner GTRS5 BMW M3

With a grand gesture of their own, Vorsteiner bid farewell to the E92 BMW series. It’s the latest generation of GTRS programes – the Vorsteiner GTRS5 for the BMW M3. It’s pretty much the same as the last one, the GTRS3, but Vorsteiner say that the difference is in the details.

The lower front bumper now has more vents for an even more efficient air-flow. The fins of the diffuser at the back longer than before thus providing greater downforce. There are also vertical vents on the sides of the rear bumper which now have carbon-fiber inserts – a fashion statement? Maybe, but Vorsteiner are adamant that the end product excels in performance. We’ll have to take their word for it.

In a nutshell here’s the complete GTRS5 kit :

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Integrated with Optical Carbon Fiber Chin Spoiler
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Front Fenders
Carbon Fiber Extended Side Skirts
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Rear Quater Panels
Vorsteiner Embroidered Floor Mats
Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badge Emblem
Vorsteiner VS-310 3-Piece Concave Forged Aluminum Wheels
Nitto Invo Performance Tires

Optionally, one can go for the:

GTS3 Carbon Fiber Vented Race Hood
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Boot Lid
E9X M3 Titanium Sport Exhaust System

Only 40 examples will be seen on the streets ever so it’s exclusive as well.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 20, 2012

Vilner Gentle Pagoda Mercedes-Benz W113

What constitutes having class? Wine and cheese, caviar? Or maybe golf… going to the opera every now and then? We don’t know. If someone asks us to show up at a party we’ll most probably go for our Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip-flop gear. The one thing that would be on our minds however, will be our ride. There’s much to choose from… in our alternate reality where we own Jay Leno’s garage. Today though, we stumbled upon a prime candidate – A Mercedes-Benz Pagoda from the 60s. It has however, been renovated by the guys at Studio Vilner so it’s now the Gentlie Pagoda.

Keeping faithful to their own signature, Vilner have made little to no modifications on the outside but once you step in, the premium stuff becomes noticeable. There’s a prevailing latte/coffee theme that’s been achieved with a two-toned leather material. Chrome and mahogany shine again on the dashboard and the steering wheel. The trunk has been specially tailored and comes with a jewelry box while on-purpose-faded aluminum sill plates read “Gentle Pagoda”.

At Studio Vilner, they know their classics, and that has to make them classy, right?

Source: Vilner

June 20, 2012

Hennessey HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade

Hennessey Performance now offers an incredible HPE1000 Twin Turbo ZL1 Upgrade boosting the mighty Camaro ZL1 to more than 1000HP.

Originally the Camaro ZL1 is one of the most powerful road legal vehicles in the world with its – 588HP (432 kW) and 754Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph) with the optional TapShift automatic gearbox.

All this power comes from the mighty 6.2 liter supercharged V8, which obviously is not enough for Hennessey.

The upgrades include:

• Forged Low Compression Pistons

• Forged Steel Connecting Rods

• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank

• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly

• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts

• High Flow Cylinder Heads

• Hennessey HPE1000 Camshaft

• Upgraded Fuel Injectors

• Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails & Pump)

• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers

• Dual Wastegates

• Electronic Boost Controller

• Stainless Steel Piping and Exhaust

• Air-to-Air Intercooler

• High-Flow K&N Air Filter

• 160 Degree Thermostat

• Professional Installation

• HPE Engine Management Calibration

• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing

• Hennessey HPE1000 Exterior Badging

• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques

• Hennessey Premium Floormats

• Hennessey Embroidered Headrests

REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:

• Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade

And the result is sensantional – 1021 BHP (751 kW). The tuned car comes with a 1 Year / 12 000 Mile Limited Warranty.

Source: Hennessey

June 19, 2012

Hennessey HPE700 Supercharged Boss 302 Mustang

Hennessey HPE700 Supercharged Boss 302 Mustang
Hennessey Performance has introduced their monster HPE700 Supercharged Boss 302 Mustang. The car is based on 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, which is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 with 444 HP (325 kW) at 7500RPM.

The tuned version – HPE700 Supercharged Boss 302 Mustang is boosted to whopping 700BHP (515 kW) thanks to a number of upgrades

HPE700 Supercharged Upgrade Includes:

• TVS2300 Supercharger System

• Supercharger Pulley Upgrade

• Air to Water Intercooler

• High Flow Air Induction

• High Flow Throttle Body Upgrade

• High Flow Fuel Injector Upgrade

• Boost-A-Pump Fuel System Upgrade

• Hennessey Strut Tower Brace

• Side Exhaust Bypass Opened

• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids

• Professional Installation

• HPE Engine Management Calibration

• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing

• Hennessey HPE700 Exterior Badging

• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques

• Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills

• Hennessey Premium Floor Mats

• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Source: Hennessey

June 19, 2012

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