Automobiles Review – Page 864 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Buick Verano comes to Europe under the disguise of 2013 Opel Astra

2013 Opel Astra Sedan is a notchback based on the GM’s Delta II platform. It was designed initially in US and Asia and at first was included in the Buick Excelle GT and then in Buick Verano. Now, the platform is going to be included in the Atra line-up whixh is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this month.

The new Opel model is going to be offered with literally a wide range of engine choices. In fact, seven powerplants are going to be available at launch. The gas engines included are four and their horsepower range is from 100 to 180 (74 to 132 kW).

On the other hand the three diesel engines will deliver a power range from 95 to 130 hp (70 to 69 kW) and will feature the two ecoFLEX motors with Start/Stop technology. The seventh engine is also a gas one, and namely is the 1.6-liter turbochared, direct-injected SIDI Ecotec.

The Astra line-up consists of the new four-door sedan, the five-door hatchback, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the racy GTC coupe. The new Astra notchback sedan (Length/Width/Height: 4,658/1,814/1,476 mm) has a wheel base of 2,685 mm which means that it provides a generous interior space.

In addition it has a separate trunk, which offers 460 liters of volume. By folding the 60:40 split rear bench flat the luggage volume can be increased up to a maximum of 1,010 liters.

As you can see the new Astra has a very stylish and sleek silhouette, which is thanks to the well-balanced and harmonious automotive design. In addition, the new Astra includes a large array of technological highlights: Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps, the adaptive FlexRide chassis system, the highly ergonomic AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V”), navigation system Navi 900 top unit, etc.

Source: Opel via Autoblog

June 12, 2012

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debut

The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is going on sale later this year as a representative of the company’s efforts to downsize it’s engine fleet without sacrificing power output. The Verano will get 250 hp from a 2.0-liter engine.

“The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise,” said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. “The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side.”

The power plant inside is no stranger to fame and acclaim. It’s a Buick 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine which last year, was named one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 10 Best Engines for North America. It’s sort of clever because of the eAssist tech used along side it, which helps boost performance and fuel-economy through the use of an electric motor and a battery. The Buick Regal luxury sport sedan will also get the same engine bits as standard.

The popularity of 4-cylinder engine in the US is not widespread to say the least, but with car makers struggling to deal with emission restrictions etc. change might be on the way. According to his Automotive, their use in North America will grow by 74 percent from 6.9 million to 12.2 million over the next 10 years.

The transmission choice is between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The fuel figures however have not been disclosed yet nor the price.

Source: Buick

June 12, 2012

Ford F-150 Special Service Vehicle Package

Ford have now released a package suitable for those who are planning to use the Ford F-150 as a fleet/utility vehicle. Think in terms of the fire or police department. Besides making the F-150 look pretty bad…posterior, the Special Service Vehicle (SSV) package includes a high-capacity 220-amp alternator and an interior fit for various needs.

“Our fleet customers have been asking us to create this option for F-Series trucks,” said Ford Government Sales Manager Tony Gratson. “We’re confident the current and updated 2013 F-150 equipped with the SSV Package will be of particular interest to our government customers with rugged jobs such as law enforcement, firefighting, and national and state park patrols.”

The Ford F-150 underneath the package can be either a SuperCab or a SuperCrew, a 4×2 or 4×4 and a 5.0liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost – the combinations are pretty much endless.

The SSV seating package omits the 20 percent or the original 40/20/40 cabin setup and makes use of the mid-space for task-specific accessories. To provide even more space, the center console is missing as well.

Individual driver and first-row passenger seating surfaces are upholstered in easily cleaned cloth for

comfort over the long haul. There are virtually no boundaries however in terms of customization so that government or commercial needs are met. The SSV buyers can specifically order heavy-duty tires, 4×4 skid plates and a range of interior equipment.

Regardless of the choice you make – the 360 hp, 5.0-liter V8 or the 365 hp, 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 – you’ll always get the clever, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Ford

June 12, 2012

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects – A Joint Venture Project

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects is very interesting result of the work of collaboration of CFC® in Weilheim with CFC® StylingStation® Neuss, the firms MK-SoundStyle Neuss, AIV in Heilbronn and ASA-Wheels from Kaiserslautern. They all have established a sort of a joint venture which has an effect this one-of-a-kind Polo.

The CFC® StylingStation® Neuss has done all the work concerning the exterior. What it has done basically is to entirely foil the Volkswagen in a princess-style camouflage design. As you can see this camouflage creates a delicate mixture of the two pink tints of different intensity and the two relatively colorless primary hues.

The vehicle how ever is not girlish at all! The Polo 6R comes with screw-threaded AP chassis with improved dynamics and is equipped with the most exquisite combination of wheels and tires: TEC by ASA AS2 Max.-Pink wheel rims in 8×18 inches are equipped with the package of tires by Falken, in the dimensions of 215/35-18.

Volkswagen Polo GTI 6R Synergetic Effects

There are also included some carbon parts for which is responsible blackGold designs. Eventually, the rear bumper makes Polo GTI 6R a true “piece of art”.

The interior of the Polo was made by MK-SoundStyle and AI, which have taken care for the acoustic system. In the Polo is included full audio system Rainbow DL-C6.2 with 20-mm silk tweeters and a neodymium speaker driver.

The Rainbow Intelli Sub 8 AFE, a very flat 200-mm active subwoofer in the body equipped with High Level In and the auto-start function, is also featured. Under the driver’s seat one can find a stable aluminum die-cast body, as well as the woofer with 2 x 2 Ohm dual oscillating coil and a remote control.

Source: Miranda Media

June 12, 2012

Top Gear Test Track Summed Up

Diehard Top Gear fans remember the times when the power lap board was pretty clean and simple – the Pegani Zonda C12 S took the lead right from the start and dominated the Top Gear Test track for 3 whole seasons. As the episodes rolled however, things sort of got out of hand and it became very hard to follow which is what and when.

Recently we stumbled upon a chart which manages to round up all the times achieved and all the information available in a nutshell. Well… quite a big nutshell but still. At the very beginning we see a wheel-type graphic which sorts all the cars that were tested by year of airing and track time and even indicates the weather conditions for every run.

Scroll down bellow and we get a more comprehensive time table of those same cars and the respective leaders marked in yellow. We personally, found out how cars which have held the lead the power board for a limited amount of time, tend to get lost in our consciousness (i.e. the McLaren Mercedes SLR).

Then there are the memorable runs such as the one of the Koenigsegg CCX which gained massive benefits from the Top Gear-suggested rear wing. Or the Bugatti Veyron‘s lap which at the time was eagerly expected but eventually flopped on the finish line ending up in the forth position leaving the Gumpert Apollo an undisputed king of times for 3 more seasons.

From then, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport makes a brief appearance but 2 episodes later, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 pretty much embarrasses everyone and climbs the ladder so high that even as we speak, it still is the fastest road legal thing ever tested on the track.

Ariel Atom 500 V8 Front Angle

Further down, there’s some info on the top 10 most affordable cars that were “power lapped” on the track, some info about the track itself and… some say there’s a word or two about the Stig as well.

Finally, a number of awards which can only underline the show’s touch of comedic genius.The info graphic was styled and compiled by Boost Labs which deal with technology and design and share a fair amount of passion about cars believe it or not.

June 11, 2012

XXX Performance Audi R8 V10

That speed hump on the road there is actually an Audi R8 V10 that has underwent a substantial modification by XXX Performance. And don’t worry, that toxic green shade is actually foil wrapping. Unfortunately, the same is true for the “carbon-fiber” mirrors…and side blades…and wheels.

Let’s talk about the wheel housings. Or more specifically, the lack of them. It’s not that the wheels are tremendously big (Dunlop SP Sport Max 235/30R20 front and 295/25R20 back tires on 20-inch Oxigin 14-Oxrock rims). The bigger factor here is the air G-Ride system of the new H&R coilover kit which can lower the car ridiculously close to the ground. Other then than, the whole body has been brushed off of it’s badges, the head and taillights have been darkened and a strip of foil on the windshield reads “XXX Performance”.

Most excitingly however, XXX Performance have fiddled with the management system of the Audi’s 5.2 FSI V10 engine, added a BMC carbon air-box and and a high-end sports car exhaust system with Bluetooth flap control system from Capristo. The end result amounts to 650 hp and an appealing sight within the engine bay because of all the carbon-fibery bits inside.

Inside you get restyled Audi RS seats, carbon-fiber arm supports, leather and plushy Alcantra pretty much everywhere and white white seams.

Source: XXX Performance

June 11, 2012

Volkswagen Caravelle Business

Back in the 50s hippies, surfers and generally happy-go-lucky people had the Volkswagen Caravelle (Transporter T2) to identify with. It was so big (as a name) that it became a symbol of simple life, peace and love. Jump forward 70 years later and we find ourselves at the other end of the spectrum. It’s the Volkswagen Caravelle Business (Transporter T5) – the executives strike back.

It’s a conference room on wheels basically. You get your Wi-Fi internet connectivity and Bluetooth, 5+1 Nappa leather seats and a table. The mid-row swivels (standard on all Caravelles) so that you can hold a mildly interesting meeting that involves let’s say Power Point slides. The rear end seats house a fridge in between them. More luxury is brought by the burr wood inserts here and there while additional curtain airbags ensure all-round passenger safety.

Moving on to the driver, we notice a cruise control option, a 6.5-inch satellite navigation and a 30 GB hard drive. There’s also a lane change assist system which monitors blind spots and a very smart heater that can fine tune the interior temperature (the back seats can do that independently).

On the outside, the windows are tinted, the wheels are 17-inches and the rear lights are darkened. For the tight spaces the wing mirrors can be folded electrically while front and rear parking sensors annoy the devil out of you every time you approach a lamp post. A camera acts as a rear view mirror and Xenon lights at the front light up automatically. Can’t go without LED daytime running lights and also the side doors slide electronically.

For the driving force, a 2.0 liter 180 PS bi-turbo TDI is used (best of the best). A lump of 400 Nm hits you in the head as soon as 1,500 rpm. The transmission is a DSG unit as standard and thus the economy stays at 34.9 mpg on the combined cycle and Euro5 type of emissions of 214 g/km.

Prices for the Volkswagen Caravelle Business starts at £53,856 or $83,628 excluding VAT.

Source: Volkswagen

June 11, 2012

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition

Mercedes-Benz will offer SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition in Japan. It will be priced from ¥30 000 000 (around €299 000).

The special edition SLS will come with a exterior with a black soft top and red accents on the grille, wheels and fuel-filler cap. The interior will boasts red and black leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel and special floor mats.

Only 5 Magno Night Black AMG Matt will be produced as the first deliveries are slated to begin in September.

The white variant of the car will have a designo Magno Cashmere White exterior with contrasting black accents. It also has porcelain and black leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel and special floor mats. Again, it will be run in limited series of just five units.

AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension enhancing comfort and maneuverability electronically controlled damping force of the damper depending on driving conditions is available on all models and also a set of Matte black paint AMG 10 spoke aluminum wheels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Matt Limited Edition

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 11, 2012

Lamborghini Aventador vs. F16 Fighting Falcon [HD video]

Here is a nice battle between two ”jet fighters” – Lamborghini Aventador vs F-16 Fighting Falcon. Of course, the first one only looks like an airplane, but the second is a real fighting machine.

The Aventador is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700PS (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The engine is mated to an Indipendent Shifting Rod (ISR), which is able to shift in just 50 milliseconds. It sends all the torque to a permanent AWD.

The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1575 kg (3472 lbs).

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has is powered by a F110-GE-100 afterburning turbofan with maximal power of 127kN (28 600 lb-ft). The jet fighter has a top speed of 2410 km/h (1500 mph).

Which is faster? Check out in the video below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZTd1E5frDQ

Source: BilMagasinetTV via Youtube

June 11, 2012

SR Project Teflon Don BMW 650i

SR Project Teflon Don BMW 650i is the latest trendy and luxury project from SR Auto Group. It is more than clearly based on the amazing and powerful BMW 650i, which makes this modification a very special one.

650i is equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine which produces 413PS (304 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Hence it is very easy for this car to develop 0-100 km/h for just 5.0 seconds. The engine of this outstanding car is mated to six-speed manual transmission, and in addition the model includes Dynamic Damper Control as standard and the Active Roll Stabilization.

SR Auto Group has grasped the great truth that the automotive industry is like fashion. There are always new trends which appear every day and which must be followed. What they’ve done with this BMW is exactly this: they are going after the trend which now is all about chrome!

In fact, chrome has been a part of the automotive industry for many years and was a successful attribute to many emblematic vehicles, adorning their forefront.

You can see the same philosophy applied to this BMW, who has been equipped with strut grille set which adds more luxurious outlook. In addition to this, the chrome can be seen on the set of Vellano VSD wheels in a staggering twenty two inch fitment.

We are definitely looking forward to seeing more projects in chrome!

Source: SR Auto Group

June 11, 2012

2012 Chrysler 300C and 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with UK debut

2012 Chrysler 300C and 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT are to make their first appearance on the Island. Their United Kingdom debut will take place this week at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, which is Britain’s largest auto show.

The 300C model will be exhibited in a two trim version. In addition this Chrysler model will be officially launched also this week and it will deliver its customers more space, safety and 236 horsepower (174 kW). Both trim levels: Limited and Executive, utilize the new MultiJet 2 diesel technology which provide effortless power and fuel-saving efficiency. The pricing of the range starts at £35 995.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT will also be on display making its first UK appearance as well. In fact, this is the fastest and most powerful Jeep ever built. This Jeep vehicle is powered by an all-new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that turns off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required to increase fuel economy and reduce overall emissions.

Its “powerful reputation” is due to the 461 horsepower (340 kW) it delivers, thus making possible for the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) to be happen in just five seconds. It has a top speed of 160mph and braking from 62-0mph in 116 feet. The starting price of this Jeep is £58 995.

Source: Chrysler

June 11, 2012

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line SUV – Specifications and Pricing

2012 Vauxhall Mokka has already got an announced pricing but still will enrich its trim line with the Tech Line trim level.

Mokka Tech Line will deliver its drivers exceptional levels of standard specifications and comfort. The Mokka comes with very generous levels of standard equipment, which include: Navi 600 satellite navigation system, DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 18 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, Descent Control System, aux-in and a multi-function trip computer.

The engine choices included here range in power from 115 hp (85 kW) to 140 hp (103 kW). First, the 1.6-litre petrol produces 115 hp (85 kW) and 155Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque. The second one – the 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4-litre turbo is the Mokka’s most powerful petrol engine and comes with a standard four-wheel drive.

In the Mokka segment are included two diesel models, both of which utilize Vauxhall’s 1.7 CDTi 130 hp (96 kW) engine, with CO2 emissions as low as 124g/km. They are both in front-wheel drive form and their engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the all-wheel drive the comes with the six-speed manual only. All manual models have Vauxhall’s fuel-saving Start/Stop system which comes as a standard.

A variety of state-of-the-art driver-assistance systems will be included in the vehicle. For instance such are Vauxhall Front Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Alert, as well as a rear-view camera, park-assist sensors front and rear.

As a standard there are many safety systems include as well: Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. The latter provides drivers with reassurance, no matter if they’re on or off-road.

Adding further to the safety equipment list are the Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) and High Beam Assist. The latter adjusts the high beams automatically so that oncoming traffic isn’t dazzled.

The exterior design of the car has powerful, muscular and attractive stance. The impression it makes is further enhanced by its higher ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track and 18-inch wheels.

The interior design of the vehicle includes 19 storage locations, 60:40 split rear seats, and an all-up load space of 1,372 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The starting price of 2012 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line is £15 995.

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Price List

	RRP(£)	VAT (£)	Total (£)	On-the-Road (£)
S
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	13,391.67	2,678.33	16,070.00	16,995.00
Exclusiv
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	14,225.00	2,845.00	17,070.00	17,995.00
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	16,091.67	3,218.33	19,310.00	20,200.00
Diesel
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd	15,575.00	3,115.00	18,690.00	19,445.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS 6-spd Auto	16,295.83	3,259.17	19,555.00	20,445.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	16,762.50	3,352.50	20,115.00	20,990.00
SE
1.6 16v 115PS S/S 5-spd	16,308.33	3,261.67	19,570.00	20,495.00
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	18,175.00	3,635.00	21,810.00	22,700.00
Diesel
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd	17,658.33	3,531.67	21,190.00	21,945.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS 6-spd Auto	18,379.17	3,675.83	22,055.00	22,945.00
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 6-spd 4×4	18,845.83	3,769.17	22,615.00	23,490.00

2012 Vauxhall Mokka Specifications:

	Max Speed	0-60mph
1.6 16v VVT 115PS S/S	106 mph	12.2 secs
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 4×4	116 mph	9.6 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S	116 mph	9.6 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS Auto	114 mph	10.4 secs
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 4×4	114 mph	10.2 secs

Provisional Fuel Economy (mpg) & CO2 Emissions (g/km)

	Urban	Extra-Urban	Combined	CO2
1.6 16v VVT 115PS S/S	32.8	53.3	43.5	153
1.4 16v Turbo 140PS S/S 4×4	34.0	55.4	44.8	149
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S	48.7	68.9	60.1	124
1.7 CDTi 130PS Auto	42.2	60.1	51.4	144
1.7 CDTi 130PS S/S 4×4	45.6	64.2	55.4	134

Engine data

1.6 16v VVT
Max. output PS:	115 @ 6000
Max. torque:	155 Nm @ 4000
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1598
Bore	79mm
Stroke	81.5mm
Compression	10.8:1
1.4 16v Turbo
Max. output PS:	140 @ 4900
Max. torque:	200 Nm @ 4900
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1364
Bore	72.5mm
Stroke	82.6mm
Compression	9.5:1
1.7 CDTi 130PS
Max. output PS:	130 @ 4000
Max. torque:	300 Nm @ 2000-2500
Number of cylinders	4
Cubic capacity in cm³	1686
Bore	79mm
Stroke	86mm
Compression	16.5:1
Fuel tank capacity	54 litres

Source: Vauxhall

June 11, 2012

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