Automobiles Review – Page 867 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car – now at dealerships

2013 Scion FR-S Sports Car is now available in dealerships. This is an exceptional high-performance coupe, which is the fifth model joining the family of the brand Scion and plays an integral part in it.

First of all what FR-S will provide to its drivers is genuine sports feel. And secondly – it can be experienced at not so costly price: the price of this Scion model begins at $24 200.

The FR-S can be equipped with either six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic one which includes paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

A fact that you might not know is that the FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. And the name is proven by the engine that is at the heart of the vehicle: a 2.0-liter boxer one which produces an impressive 200 horsepower (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet (205 Nm) of torque. The flat engine is mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically low center of gravity.

Furthermore, the designers of the car made it in such way that it is quick and nimble which going into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. In addition, the Scion has low weight, which is combined with a dynamically tuned suspension setup comprising of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear.

A standard feature here is the Torsen® limited-slip differential, apportioning power to the rear wheels with precision and immediacy. The FR-S runs on lightweight 17×7-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes.

The interior is also performance focused. It includes a 2+2 seating. The front seats are comfortable and assertive, and include deep bolsters. They are also mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space.

Source: Scion

June 5, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT delivers enhanced driving dynamics

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT comes to offer enhanced driving dynamics and even better track performance. This is due to its output which now delivers the exceptional 435 kW (591 hp) and its new optimised AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. Adding further is the redeveloped AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension.

The SLS Mercedes-Benz is available both as a Coupé and a Roadster. Among the additional new features is the high-quality AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather interior, which can be optionally chosen.

Furthermore, the SLS AMG now has more masculine and athletic stance. It is equipped with darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake calipers. All this contributes for the unique new appearance of the vehicle.

The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille also has a high-gloss finish. He same finish can be seen on the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings as well. The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid includes the additional letters “GT”.

Going further into details, this amazing sportscar is equipped with AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine. The latter has a maximum output of 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm. Therefore it will be very easy for the SLS AMG GT to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds, and to reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.

Next, adding to the exceptional performance is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7 speed sports transmission located on the rear axle. It is promised that it is more direct and spontaneous in the manual “M” transmission mode. The transmission is an optimized dual-clutch one.

Another important highlight here which contributes significantly for the great performance of the vehicle is the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension. What it does is to improve the vehicle’s sportiness.

The new AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension includes stiff spring/damper tuning and dispenses with “Comfort” mode. “Sport” mode is recommended as the maximal setting for undulating road surfaces and tracks requiring increased suspension travel. And the last mode- “Sport plus” provides higher damping forces and delivers sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface.

As standard, the vehicle runs on 265/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear. Both are fitted to weight-optimised AMG forged light-alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design. They are painted in matt black and with a high-sheen finish. Three optional AMG light-alloy wheels are also available.

What about the interior of this Mercedes-Benz? Of course, it includes nothing else but a sporty design. Not to mention that it combines only the high-quality and functional atmosphere of a racing car.

For instance, the sports seats are embossed with a badge on the head restraints. The centre sections are finished in Alcantara®, which can be also found on the door centre panels. The black interior appointments are complemented by red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats. The centre console and the door panel lining are finished in red too. The floor mats also feature red edging.

As an exclusive but optional extra, the SLS AMG offers AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather. This high-quality extra is available in single or two-tone finishes and has distinctive upholstery with a diamond design with contrasting stitching. The diamond design is included on the door centre panels as well.

Other optional highlights feature a designo leather finish for the dashboard, the beltlines and door armrests, the handrest on the centre console, AMG floor mats in black with porcelain leather edging, roof lining in Alcantara® porcelain, and the parcel shelf (Coupé) or roll-over bar (Roadster). Seams finished in contrasting colours create exciting highlights and underscore the high-quality, hand-finished nature of this new leather package.

Customers can choose among these available colour combinations: mocha brown/porcelain, titanium grey pearl/porcelain and mystic red/porcelain.

Other attractive optional extras for all SLS AMG models include (extract): AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors, AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover, AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrest and side, door sill panels), AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG Performance Media, AMG 10-spoke forged wheels in other colour variants, AMG carbon-fibre trim, AIRSCARF (Roadster), Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system,

The official market launch of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is scheduled for October this year and the starting price is 204,680 Euros.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT key data:

	Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
Cylinder arrangement	V8
Valves per cylinder	4
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Output	435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm
Max. torque	650 Nm at 4750 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	13.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	308 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	3.7 s
Top speed	320 km/h*

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 5, 2012

2012 Vorsteiner Ferrari 458 Italia – more aerodynamic and stylish

2012 Vorsteiner Ferrari 458 Italia is the latest conversion by the talented tuners from Vorseiner. They have updated the powerful Ferrari with their new 458-V Program.

The latter is uncompromising in terms of design of aerodynamic components. The tuners admit that they have built it with the aim to integrate with the Ferrari’s style and even more – to make it even more perfect.

Having this approach in mind, Vorsteiner have successfully followed the fluidic lines of the Ferrari 458 and thus enhanced its looks and performance.

458-V Program includes the following equipment: add-on front spoiler to the front end of the vehicle; rear deck lid spoiler, which maintains the balance from the additional downforce on the front end; and a rear diffuser with extended aero fins, which further enhances the rear downforce.

All the aforementioned components are made from autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber with thw aim to ensure durability and performance.

Furthermore, this Ferrari Italia is equipped with forged aluminum wheels for even classier riding. The wheels are available in 20 or 21 inch configurations and are custom powder coated or painted.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 5, 2012

Carlsson C25 Super GT Limited Edition

The Carlsson C25 is back to appear as a limited edition. And when we say limited, we mean only 7 numbered examples delivered delivered exclusively for the Chinese market. Numbers one to three and five to seven have already been pre-ordered. The idea behind this new incarnation is lightness, rigidity and handling for even more adrenaline packed action. Carlsson have summed up everything behind the term Super GT

So, what’s new about this one? Well, the engineers at Carlsson have managed to lose 180 kg of curb weight and still keep the engine. The overall carbon-fiber body might have something to do with that. Other than that, we have some minor face lifting at the front, some botox at the back and a newly styled rear window. Each Super GT will be customized in accordance with the buyer’s preferences – think in terms of color combinations and interior design.

The non-negotiable features are the really tasty ones – a 450 hp V8, an iPhone adjustable C-Tronic Suspension and a set of aluminum exhaust tips. As an option, the brakes can be of a temperature efficient, fading resistant composite.

The “number 1” Carlsson C25 Limited has already been built and will be airlifted to Shanghai in the coming days. It’s just a pity that it won’t make the journey on land with the Gut Wiesenhof in Merzig, Germany as a starting point. The other ones are yet to be hand-made but in an year’s time everything should be sold out. The price: 4,000,000 Chinese yuan which is around roughly $628,536.

Source: Carlsson

June 5, 2012

Volkswagen at the AMI 2012 in Leipzig

Volkswagen are having a really mouth-watering lineup for the 2012 Auto Mobil International in Leipzig. We see some very recent faces such as the Volkswagen CC R-Line, the Beetle Fender and the Polo. The Volkswagen Scirocco however, takes the prize as probably the most exciting one out there. It’s a GTS version which is said to carry the essence of the 70s and 80s back when the Scirocco models was first born.

It’s a world premiere for this GTS version – a black and red stripe splitting the car in two equal halves, shouty red callipers, flaring side sills, new front and rear bumpers and a diffuser, a rear wing, color-coordinated wing mirrors and 18-inch “Thunder” alloy wheels with some black on them. The Scirocco even has the engine to match the looks – no less than 210 hp coming from a TSI 2.0 liter engine. The only thing above it in terms of performance is the 260 hp R version but we can get over that. Especially when we find that the gear stick in the GTS has a history value embedded or more like engraved – it’s the old “golf ball” design that used to be a trademark feature of first generation GTIs and ’82 Scirocco GTSs

Then there are the others – a mile-crunching, sporty looking, Volkswagen CC four-door R-Line that can invigorate even some of the most family people on the planet. As for the rebellious kids, a VW Beetle sounds right, right? Even more so when the music instrument making company Fender has a say when it comes to design. 400 watts of “concert-type” sounding. Finally, something for the bachelor – a CrossPolo “Urban White” – a car, we’ve been told, that it’s not simply white but more like “Oryx White Mother of Pearl” white… not something to brag about. But the 17-inch alloy wheels and the tinted rear windows do add a little character. Inside, a black mingle of Alcantra contrasts the body work and complements the wing mirrors and roof rails. To stress out that the Polo Urban White is for young people, Volkswagen have fitted sports seats so no fragile spines please. For the 70 bhp, the average student will have to pay $23,703 or in other words, 40 years of debt.

Source: Volkswagen

June 5, 2012

2013 Skoda Superb Combi now in “Outdoor” appearance

2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor is the latest enhancement that the brand has made on the Supreb Combi model line up. All the models included in it are comfortable and practical; What make the “Outlook” so special however, is that it gives the Skoda more off-road look.

The new model will be available with all Skoda Superb engine versions with front- and all-wheel drive, except for the GreenLine variant. In addition, the offroad attitude that this car inherently has, will now stand strong even beyond paved roads.

Next, not only that the “Outdoor” version extends the model line, but it also comes equipped with features such as robust synthetic panelling for the rear bumper, the wheel wells and the doorsills. Compared with the standard Superb, the front bumper is fitted with a larger air intake and round fog lamps.

2013 Skoda Superb Combi Outdoor will fit perfectly in the urban environment as well as in the country one. And hence it will suit perfectly drivers which have an active life style. The vehicle will also deliver them enough spaciousness, precise workmanship and an excellent price.

Source: Skoda

June 4, 2012

Ford Evos Concept To Make Debut in Asia

Ford Evos Concept is an exceptional vehicle which is going to make its first Asian appearance at Computex 2012, which is one of the biggest and most important computer exhibitions in the world.

The Evos Concept, which was first unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, not only embodies Ford’s new global design language but also offers a glimpse of the company’s vision on integrating more technology into its vehicles.

The Evos Concept started from a vision of an outstanding design. In addition, the designers intended for the concept to include the momentum of innovations like the SYNC in-car connectivity system.

The latter system offers a new generation of driver interaction and awareness and is currently under development by Ford. The aim is to offer uncompromised connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s ‘personal cloud’ of information.

For example, the vehicle can utilize information from the driver’s cloud to provide the same connected lifestyle they experience at home or office. In other words this means that the car knows the driver, and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.

In addition, this amazing connectivity system can also provide an integration of on-board data about driver preferences with cloud-based information such as work schedules, music and weather conditions, and local data delivered through vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

Evos Concept will also enchant its drivers with the same music or news they were listening to on live streaming at home. Or for instance, can also cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in by simply predicting departure time based on his calendar.

Almost unbelievably, Ford’s researchers have also included technologies which can improve driver’s health and wellness while driving. How is that possible? There are features included such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors connect to the cloud to monitor the physical state and workload of the driver, and adjust the driving experience.

And for all people who suffer from allergies, the Evos Concept comes equipped with advanced air quality sensors and filtration systems. They are ‘aware” of the location and thus can access air quality data from the cloud and suggest a healthier route to the destination.

Another highlight here is that the Concept uses the power of the cloud in order to get more information on the driver’s behavior and travel patterns. Thus it will be able to predict the destinations and adjust the control strategies for the state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Therefore, Evos can switch between running on battery or engine power in order to use the least amount of energy for any situation.

Ford Evos Concept explores adaptive vehicle technologies to redefine the driving experience. For instance, the chassis settings can be defined based upon the abilities and tastes of a cross-section of drivers and the topography of typical roads. Again, here the concept car predicts the tuning handling and performance to the road ahead and the specific individual behind the wheel.

At last but not least, what is very specific for this concept is that it utilizes Ford’s “powersplit” hybrid architecture. The latter allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work in collaboration or separately in order to optimize efficiency.

The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency. The cloud-maximized powertrain automatically “knows” when to save energy and switch modes It does this by using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, the emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions.

Source: Ford

June 4, 2012

2012 Toyota 86: full specifications and pricing announced

2012 Toyota 86 is a sportscar which is much appreciated and awaited and more importantly which now goes on sale. In fact the 86 model is an aim for a grand return to Toyota’s sporting roots. And the brand does this with the world’s only combination of a front-mounted, free-revving, horizontally opposed “boxer” petrol engine and rear-wheel drive!

The car is indeed unique, because it combines a one-of-a-kind powertrain format, compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity. All this results in the best possible power-to-weight ratio. Of course, this also contributes to a maximum driving pleasure – lively, accessible performance and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.

2012 Toyota 86 is being offered in two grades – GT and GTS, which are both powered by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine. In addition, Toyota‘s D-4S direct-injection technology enhances the throttle response, power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds.

In details, the maximum power the vehicle is 147kW – equivalent to 100hp per litre – and peak torque of 205Nm (151 lb-ft). Additionally, fuel economy is absolutely remarkable for a sports car: it is only 7.8 litres/100km for manual variants – and even better for automatic versions at just 7.1 litres/100km. CO2 emissions are 164 grams/km (auto) and 181 grams/km (manual).

Both engines can be mated to a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox, which offers quick, precise shifting through closely stacked ratios. The other option in terms of gear box is the Lexus IS-F-inspired six-speed automatic transmission, with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, combines direct response with an extremely fast shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

The 86 includes an aerodynamic and stylish body design built around a low, highly compact chassis for optimum handling and performance. The vehicle also comes equipped with wide array of standard equipment: seven airbags, a five-mode stability control system, traction control, anti-skid brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, CD sound system, daytime running lamps (DRLs) and a multi-information display.

The 86 GTS runs on 17-inch alloy wheels, and has in its equipment a 6.1-inch display screen, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, auto-levelling HID headlamps, leather-accented front seats, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, aluminium pedals, LED DRLs and red stitching highlights.

The unique visual identity of Toyota’s cars is due to the distinct T-mesh pattern in the front grille, door-switch base, instrument panel, meters, triangular rear-centre foglamp and spare-wheel cover. The models in both grades also include numerous exclusive sporting details through both the exterior and interior, including a conrod motif to the HID headlamps, twin exhausts, instrument dials, air vents and gear-lever base.

The 86 piston logo can be see on the car’s front wing and is based on the car’s unique front boxer engine, rear-wheel drive powertrain format. It also is a representation of the vehicle’s tyres sliding in a four-wheel drift, highlighting the perfect on-the-limit balance of the 86.

2012 Toyota 86 Pricing:

Grade	Price
86 GT manual	$29,990
86 GT automatic	$32,490
86 GTS manual	$35,490
86 GTS automatic	$37,990

2012 Toyota 86 Specifications:

Engine
Engine type	2.0L-Boxer 4
Capacity (cm³)	1998
Cylinders/valves	Boxer 4/16V
Description	Four cylinders, horizontally opposed, 16-valve, DOHC, four valves percylinder and alloy cylinder block
Bore x stroke (mm)	86 x 86
Compression ratio	12:5:1
Max. output	147kW @ 7,000rpm
Max. torque	205Nm @ 6,400-6,600rpm
Recommended fuel type	98 or more Octane
Fuel-tank capacity (L)	50
Transmission
Type	Six-speed manual	Six-speed sequential-shift automatic (with paddle shift on GTS 86)
Ratios: 1st	3.626	3.538
2nd	2.188	2.060
3rd	1.541	1.404
4th	1.213	1.000
5th	1.000	0.713
6th	0.767	0.582
Reverse	3.437	3.168
Final drive	4.100:1	4.100:1
Steering
Turning circle	10.8m (tyre), 11.4m (body)
Type	Rack and pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Suspension type
Front	MacPherson strut with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and rose-jointedstabiliser bar
Rear	Double wishbone with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and rose-jointedstabiliser bar
Capacities
Seating	4
Cargo space height	391mm
Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4,240
Width (mm)	1,775
Roof height (mm)	1,285
Wheelbase (mm)	2,570
Tracks (mm)	Front: 1,520 Rear: 1,540
Interior dimensions
Front to rear couple distance (mm)	700
Front legroom (mm)	1065
Rear legroom (mm)	759
Driven wheels
	Rear
Wheels and tyres
GT	16 x 6.5J alloy with 205/55 R16 tyres
GTS	17 x 7J alloy with 215/45 R17 tyres
Brake type
GT	Ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes with anti-lock braking system(ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA) and vehiclestability control (VSC). Front disc size: 277mm diameter by 24mm thick Rear disc size: 286mm by 10mm thick
GTS	Ventilated front and ventilated rear disc brakes with ABS, EBD, BA andVSC. Front disc size: 294mm diameter by 24mm thick Rear disc size: 290mm diameter by 18mm thick
Performance
0-100km/h (s)	7.6 (manual), 8.2 (auto)
Max. speed (km/h)	226 (manual), 210 (auto)
Coefficient of drag	0.27
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined	7.8 (manual), 7.1 (auto)
Urban	10.4 (manual), 9.6 (auto)
Extra urban	6.4 (manual), 5.7 (auto)
CO₂ emissions (g/km)^*
Combined	181 (manual), 164 (auto)

Source: Toyota

June 4, 2012

2013 Skoda Citigo Five-Door Goes On Sale

2013 Skoda Citigo is the all-new five door vehicle delivered by the Czech brand and is now officially on sale. This is the sixth version of the award-winning model line-up and Skoda’s first urban car.

Although it has a simple design, it also will bring its customers a lot of style in their day-to-day life. It will also offer outstanding maneuverability, a lot of comfort, convenience and technical mastery.

In addition, the Citigo is also the first Skoda model, which wears brand’s revised “winged arrow” corporate badge. Skoda targets with this car to get the attention of younger drivers and families who need a second car.

The advantages of the Citigo are many. First, it has a spacious and bright cabin which can easily accommodate four persons. It also has the largest boot in its class and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The vehicle’s engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol one. It delivers 75 hp (55 kW), and comes equipped with the GreenTech fuel-saving technologies including stop/start and brake energy recuperation.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission as standard. However, as an optional choice there is an automatic gearbox also available. Citigo’s official combined fuel economy is 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions are 96g/km.

The model comes in three high specification trim levels – S, SE and Elegance, to which can be added a wide range of optional features. Some of which are is the Personal Infotainment Device (PID), a dashboard-mounted touch-screen technology providing Bluetooth, sat-nav, and trip data.

Prices for the 2013 Skoda Citigo line-up start at just £7 630.

Source: Skoda

June 4, 2012

Overfinch Range Rover Sport GTS-X Teaser [VIDEO]

Overfinch are releasing are preparing for the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 28th – July 1st) and it shows. Here’s a teaser video of their Range Rover Sport set for a debut there. We know for a fact that it’s called the Overfinch Range Rover GTS-X – the kind of abbreviation one would normally give to a sleek, mile-crunching grand tourer and not to a boxy SUV that has the drag coefficient of a wall.

Still, Overfinch suggest that the supercharged engine the used now churns out 575 bhp (65 bhp more than the current Supercharged 5.0-liters V8 Range Rover Sport) thus enabling the GTS-X do the 0 to 60 mph run in just 5-seconds. That’s pretty impressive. Other than that, an extensive body kit overhaul is quite visible, LEDs (can’t go without them), a Brembo set of brakes and, judging by the sound, some new plumbing as well.

More details are expected to spring up as we get closer to the Goodwood Festival. As for now, enjoy the video:

httpv://youtu.be/0xbR5ZMwxJc

Source: Overfinch

June 4, 2012

BMW 640d Gran Coupe F06 M Sportpackage [HD video]

There is no doubt that BMW 640d Gran Coupe F06 M Sportpackage is one of the best looking new cars in the world. It is simply stunning as you can see in the video below.

It is powered by the famous BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder diesel engine with 313HP (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm of torque at just 1500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Simply great performance for a car weighing 1865 kg.

Furthermore it is superbly efficient – 6.8 litres / 100 km in city, 4.8 liters / 100 km on the highway and a combined cycle of just 5.5 litres per 100 km.

The F06 M Sports comes with complete aerodynamics package as well as some other upgrades like lowered suspension and nice interior trim.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p5NPLfE8H8

Source: Bimmertoday via Youtube

June 1, 2012

More goodies for 2012 Toyota GT 86

Toyota has announced some very nice upgrades for their latest model – the sports car GT 86. These goodies are available only in Germany.

Thanks to its affordable price from € 29 990 sports car fans this is still much room for customization.

The exterior boasts decorative films in black or silver, mirror caps in carbon optics and 18” alloy wheels. The black matt varnish costs €389, fully polished wheels in Himalayan Grey are €399 and shiny graphite “Ultraleggera” set is €529 (excluding tires). An even more intense driving experience allows the lowering of the body by 30 mm – a set of springs for €189.

The interior can be upgraded with a Touch & Go navigation systemwith Google local search and Bluetooth/USB/iPod connectivity. This pleasure is €695 and if you want the JBL sound system, you have to search deep in your pockets for another €1045.

Source: Toyota

June 1, 2012

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