Automobiles Review – Page 869 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Pricing Announced for the Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition

Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition – the world’s best-selling two-seater sportscar will go on sale with a starting price of £18 995. In addition to that, the other news that goes around the model is that it was named ‘Most Popular Convertible’ at the 2012 Honest John Awards.

The list included vehicles such as Volkswagen Eos, BMW 3-Series Convertible, BMW Z4 and Fiat 500C. The Mazda model however, was unsurpassed. It was chosen as a winner, because it has handling abilities, ease of use and low running costs.

The new special edition of the praised car Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition includes a Soft-top or can be purchase as a Roadster Coupe (a retractable hard-top). It includes upgraded luxurious specification, advanced technology, premium interior trim and exclusive exterior colours.

In particular, the Venture Edition comes equipped with 1.8-litre MZR engine for the Soft top (SE), and with a 2.0-litre MZR engine for the Roadster Coupe (Sport Tech).

The sportscar of course keeps the great dynamic attributes, low running costs and in addition offer open-top thrills. Exclusive highlights from the outside include light gun metal 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome front grille.

Inside a leather feast unfolds itself as you enter. The steering wheel, seats and the leather lever are all wrapped in Havana Brown leather. A matching door trim on the side and piano black dashboard accents at the front appease you. Technology includes climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, Dynamic Stability Control, TCS and airbags, lots of them.

The prices of Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition vary between £18 995 and £22 295.

Source: Mazda

May 31, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG blends luxury, style and performance

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG was born when luxury, performance and refinement blended. The new model has a striking design, maximum safety and the dynamism. It combines compelling technologies and comes equipped with wide range of standard equipment, and in addition can offer ride comfort for up to seven passengers.

The great performance is provided by the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine, which develops a peak output of 410 kW (557 hp) and maximum torque of 760 Nm (560 lb-ft). Important feature in this 2013 Mercedes-Benz model is the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension which has an ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilization. Thank to it the driver can experience car’s high-level driving dynamics.

Due to the aforementioned facts, this Mercedes-Benz SUV accelerates form 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h and of course is electronically limited. And if you wonder about the fuel consumption, it is estimated around 2.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The car emits 288 g CO2 per kilometer.

A detailed highlight must be put on the AMG M 157 eight-cylinder engine. It includes an innovative, high-tech power package featuring spray-guided direct petrol injection, piezo injectors, biturbo charging, air/water intercooling, all-aluminium crankcase, a four-valve-per-cylinder design with variable camshaft adjustment, plus alternator management and the ECO start/stop system.

The power which comes from this state-of-the-art engine is transmitted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. The latter, includes three modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting. When it is in “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode then the ECO start/stop function is activated and it shuts down the eight-cylinder engine as soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill.

In the Sport (S) and Manual (M) driving modes, the ECO start/stop function is not in function and the engine-transmission combination displays far greater agility with more spontaneous responses.

In order to improve the efficiency of the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz made the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission special. Now it incorporates a fuel-economy converter with centrifugal pendulum, bearings designed for reduced friction loss and a transmission-oil thermal management system.

Additional features such as friction loss-minimized axle gears, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, an optimized belt drive, and demand-responsive control of all ancillary units and pumps also play an important part in minimizing the fuel consumption.

In addition, the GL 63 AMG has three suspension modes “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus”. The fully load-bearing air suspension system is speed-sensitive, lowering the body at higher speeds in order to minimize drag while increasing driving stability.

Mercedes-Benz has included electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering. It includes variable power assistance which responds in accordance with the chosen suspension mode. This one also contributes to lessen the fuel consumption.

Next, the GL 63 AMG comes as standard with 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in 10 x 21 inches. They are in titanium grey color coating and with a high-sheen finish, fitted with tyres in size 295/40 R 21. The AMG high-performance braking system could not be excluded from this model. It is responsible for the shortest possible braking distances.

In terms of exterior 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG has striking and masculine appeal. In fact, the designers have used some specific elements to emphasize the top V8 model’s exceptional performance.

The typically upright GL radiator grille with its central Mercedes star is adorned with high-gloss slats painted in black. What comes from AMG as styling elements here are the front apron with its large openings which contribute for the effective air flow for the cooling modules.

The bottom air intake takes the form of a typical AMG stylised “A” with a gap under the fine black fin through which air can flow optimally to the cooling modules. And observed from the side, there can be seen the V8 BITURBO logos on the wings and illuminated running boards with an aluminium finish.

Great attention to the detail dominates throughout the whole interior. Not only this, but the luxury provided and the spaciousness will delight the customers as well. All seven seats for instance are covered in high-quality leather. In addition, the seats are electrically adjustable and include double topstitching in a contrasting colour and AMG badges on the front seat backrests and outer rear seat backrests.

Furthermore, the AMG Performance four-spoke steering wheel also comes with perforated leather in the grip area. Additionally, four round instruments on the AMG instrument cluster provide the driver with important information.

The standard equipment of the GL 63 AMG includes: AMG door sill panels in stainless steel, AMG floor mats, AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, Active Parking Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Bi-xenon headlamps, Audio 20 CD radio with Bluetooth® and USB interface, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, Electric EASY-ENTRY system in the rear compartment, Electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate, Electric glass tilt/sliding sunroof, Intelligent Light System (ILS) with new off-road lighting, KEYLESS-GO, Multicontour seats for driver and front passenger including a massage function and Memory package, Crosswind Assist, THERMATIC 3-zone automatic climate control.

The optional extras are: five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels (10 x 21 format) painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with 295/40 R 21 tyres, AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area, Brake callipers, painted red, designo Exclusive package, AMG sports seats in front and bench seats in the second and third rows

in designo leather, upper and lower section of the dashboard, centre console, beltlines, door panelling, door centre panels and armrests in the doors in designo leather, designo metal badges in the backrests of the front seats and the outer rear seats, velour floor mats with designo metal badges and edging in designo black leather, 360° camera, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, trailer coupling with electric unlocking, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, Becker® MAP PILOT, Brake Assist BAS PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS, electrically operated EASY PACK tailgate, Speed Limit Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG will be available at dealerships in November 2012.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 63 AMG key data at a glance:

	GL 63 AMG
Displacement	5461 cc
Bore x stroke	98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Output	410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm
Max. torque	760 Nm at 2000-5000 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	204 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	12.3 l/100 km
CO₂ emissions	288 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.9 s
Top speed	250 km/h

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 31, 2012

Citroen C3 Picasso

Camping is a great way to spend time with your family without the demands of the real world providing interference. Before setting out on a camping holiday, preparations must go into the trip to ensure you have everything you need. After all, there are not nearby stores out in the wilderness. With so much that has to be brought as well as unique driving conditions that may be faced when accessing the camp site, it should be of no surprise that not just any sort of vehicle will do for camping. Certain models works much better for camping than others. One model that makes a good camping car is the Citroen C3 Picasso.

When one climbs into the Picasso, they will easily notice the space. This makes the Picasso a comfortable vehicle for drivers of any shape or size to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Both the seat and steering wheel can be easily adjusted. They feature a good range of adjustment settings. The rear seat bench is split 60/40 and can easily slide either backwards or forwards to accommodate people or cargo.

An excellent people carrier, the Citroen C3 Picasso, features a lot of space for both camping gear and passengers. The boot of the Citroen C3 Picasso is quite large when makes it a great place to stow gear and provisions for your camping trip. It can provide a range of 385 litres or 500 litres of storage. By folding down the rear bench, the storage of 500 litres can be realized. In comparison to other people carriers, the C3 Picasso is only slightly longer. However, overall it does provide a lot of room inside. The high roofline of the vehicles adds additional space.

May 31, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Edition Restoration Project

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Edition Restoration Project is the latest work of the talented UK based Kahn tuning team. Although the vehicle was already in exploitation for more than 70 000 miles, Afzal Kahn took the challenge to transform it. The result is as expected – outstanding!

The overall result is that this unique military grey metallic vehicle can now proudly run through the streets of any big city, where it can show-off its splendid appeal.

For this amazing new look, the Jeep had to undergo several upgrades, which include: meshed front grill, gold finished calipers, quad exhaust system, rear wheel cover, smoked side lights and repeaters, petrol flat cap in billet mat black, mud flaps hardwearing, aluminum machined foot pedals, smoked side lights and repeaters, sat-navigation, reverse camera, blue tooth, dial fascia clocks and LED driving lights. In the end all is rounded up with the branded rear wheel cover.

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler Military Edition Restoration Project

Furthermore, the blank rear window sections and LED lights can be made from bullet-proof glass. This of course depends on the level of protection required. The interior of this tuned Wrangler is wrapped in red. In particular – red quilted leather seats, dial fascia clocks and more elements in the same color.

And as you can see, the last touch in this restoration project is the wheels, which namely are Kahn RS wheels in 9 x 20 in black. Their unique characteristic is that they have simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, thus giving the military vehicle more elegant outlook.

Source: Kahn Design

May 30, 2012

2012 Nissan Leaf powered by “LEAF to Home” Power Supply System With “EV Power Station”

Nissan Motor Corporation and Nichicon are going to launch “LEAF to Home” Power Supply System with “EV Power Station”. The “LEAF to Home” power supply system can supply electricity from batteries onboard in 2012 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles (EV) to homes when used with the “EV Power Station” unit. The latter is developed by Nichicon Corporation.

In fact, “LEAF to Home” is an industry first backup power supply system. What it can do basically is that it can transmit the electricity stored in the large-capacity batteries of Nissan LEAFs to a residential home.

Other good news is that Nissan will showcase this system in Japanese dealerships in the days to come. The aim is to promote efficient electricity management and the features built onto electric vehicles.

Behind the technology which moves the electricity from the vehicle to home through the EV Power Station Unit, stays the Nichicon. Its innovative technology enables electricity stored in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries onboard a Nissan LEAF to be sent to an ordinary home. This happens through the connection between the car and the home’s electricity distribution panel with a connector linked to the LEAF’s quick charging port.

The EV Power Station system is not big in size. In fact it is as big as an external air-conditioning unit. It can be therefore mounted outdoors. Furthermore, the system can run on various operating modes and has a timer function which can be controlled with a liquid crystal display (LCD) touch panel. More importantly, the electricity is stored or supplied automatically in accordance with a household’s electricity capacity and consumption.

The full charging time for the LEAF EV is as little as four hours. The great news here is that this is half the time, when the vehicle is charged via normal charger. This consequently means that it also can lower customers’ electricity bills.

2012 Nissan Leaf powered by "LEAF to Home" Power Supply System

The EV Power Station : Specifications

When charging Nissan LEAFs
Input voltage:	Single-phase, AC 200V (±15%), 50 Hz/60 Hz (±5%)
Input current range:	AC 0-36A
Output voltage range:	DC 50-500V (CHAdeMO Protocol)
Peak power output:	6kW
Conversion efficiency:	90% or more (at rated output)
Power factor:	99% or more (at rated output)

When supplying power to households
Input voltage range:	DC 150V-450V
Input current range:	DC 0-30A (Limited by cable specifications)
Output voltage:	Single-phase three-wire system (AC 100V x two-phase) AC100V (±6%), 50Hz / 60Hz AC 200V (±6%), 50Hz / 60Hz (Max.±2%)
Output current range:	AC 0 – 30A
Peak power output:	6kW (Single-phased, AC 100V·3kW x two-phase)
Conversion efficiency:	90% or more (at rated output)
External dimensions:	650 mm (W) x 350 mm (D) x 781 mm (H) (excluding projecting parts)
Mass:	Approx. 60 kg

Source: Nissan

May 30, 2012

Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca among 2012 Best of the Best Coupes and GTs

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca has jut been included among the best Coupes in the luxury world for this year. According to Robb Report magazine the exceptional muscle car deserves undoubtedly to be featured as a 2012 Best of the Best Coupe and GT.

Robb Report is one of the main sources of information where the best purchases of the affluent lifestyle happen, and for almost quarter of decade it has been making list, which include several categories among which are cars, real estate and watches.

According to the report, the outstanding Ford vehicle is praised because it retains some of the best qualities and characteristics of its first form – the original 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and in addition have improved them in time. The ’69 model was racing one and was developed by the brand in order to compete in the Trans-Am series.

Furthermore, this Ford Mustang now is highly appreciated by people who not only adore the American muscle cars, but also count a lot on performance.

This great reputation of the vehicle is because its heart is in fact a 302 cu in V-8 engine. It is able to develop the astonishing 444 hp (325 kW) at up to 7,500 rpm. In addition to this, the powerful engine is mated not to an automatic transmission, but to 6-speed manual one, which helps retain the joy of driving! And with the price of about $48 000 it reasonably gets among the luxurious segment.

Souce: Ford

May 30, 2012

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and 2012 Audi TT Roadster are the Best Road Trip Convertibles

2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and the 2012 Audi TT Roadster are among ten of the Best Road Trip Convertibles for 2012 according to Kelley Blue Book. The latter is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.

The editors of the official web page of KBB have praised both Audi cars by including them in the aforementioned list of ten. 2012 A5 Cabriolet won the judges for its combination of style, refinement and performance. On the other hand the Audi TT Roadster was chosen for its well-appointed sportiness and superb handling.

In fact, 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet is indeed an exceptional car. Not many cabriolet can show such style, combined with refinement and uncompromised performance. In addition it is the only car in its class to offer quattro® all-wheel drive.

Another advantage of the car is that it carries the award-winning 2.0 TFSI engine. Thank to it the cabrio can deliver 211 hp (155 kW) and 258 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. Of course, we have to mention the valvelift system, variable valve timing and TFSI® direct injection, which are alos included in it.

This convertible has it all. It has an Aluminum Optic trimmed windshield frame and runs on the elegant 18″ wheels. The soft top of this Audi delivers significant wind and road noise reduction and has only 15 seconds reaction time. At last, the vehicle is spacious enough and can offer room for four adults thank to its rear folding seats, twelve-way power adjustable front seats and an overall open design.

2012 Audi TT Roadster is the second praised Audi vehicle, which carries its unmistakable profile and its unique rear diffuser with dual exhaust. This blend gives an aggressive and exclusive look to the Roadster.

The body of this Audi Convertible was entirely constructed of lightweight aluminum and steel. Here, the folding soft top takes only twelve seconds to react and can be closed at speeds under 31 MPH for added convenience.

More benefits that this car delivers are in terms of performance. It comes equipped with a 2.0T engine, which employs a variation of FSI called TFSI®. TFSI-equipped has significantly higher compression ratios and cylinder pressure, thus fully atomizing fuel and optimizing boost response. The Roadster also delivers impressive fuel economy: 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.

Source: Audi

May 30, 2012

2013 Ford Fusion Being Sustainable

Ford seem to be aware that the latest fad is to go organic. The shops are brimming with lettuce which has been (so they tell us) grown out in the open, natural fertilizers, no pesticides no GMO no nothing. Indeed, very healthy and sustainable. But consider a 2013 Ford Fusion now and try to draw a parallel. Some of the materials used in it, Ford people say, are completely organic, recyclable and downright green.

“Building vehicles with great fuel economy is our highest priority in reducing impact on the environment,” says Carrie Majeske, Ford product sustainability manager. “With every new product design, we also are charged with increasing the use of renewable and recyclable materials in our cars, utilities and trucks to reduce impact on the environment.”

Issues like noise and vibrations have been tackled with something very common in real life and yet it sounds out of place – denim. That’s right, more than two pairs of jeans have given it’s life for the sake of comfort and convenience. Inside, the upholstery is made with pure Repreve yarn which is woven from both post-industrial and post-consumer waste products. The models that will carry such kind of cloth on theirs seats would contain an equivalent of 38.9 recycled, clear 16-ounce plastic bottles. Supposedly, the material is strong as well.

The soft bits within the seats have been garnished with soybeans. Soy foam to be exact. A single Fusion requires approximately 31,250 which sounds a lot but remember; it’s sustainable. It’s not that uncommon actually. The technology was first introduced in 2007 and Ford have been making cars with soy ever since.

Various, not-that-important bits are protected from plastics. Plastics of former car batteries so it’s cheap to replace as well.

“We are holistic in reducing our environmental footprint by utilizing post-industrial (blue jeans), post-consumer (battery cases) and sustainable materials technologies (soy foam),” Majeske says. “We do whatever makes the most sense for each application and environmentally from a lifecycle perspective.“

Source: Ford

May 30, 2012

Aston Martin Project AM310 [VIDEO]

In it for some high-octane, gut-churning acoustics? Good. Here’s an Internet circulating clip of the supposed DBS successor – the Aston Martin Project AM310 Concept. It was filmed this weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. An official debut is set for August while sales will most probably start in early 2013. Aston are going to be celebrating one hundred years of engineering very soon and if that’s the party piece, count us in.

As stated, in terms of styling, the AM310 is rather reminiscent of the Aston Martin One-77 (Fun fact: the One-77 was also revealed at the Concorso back in 2009). The details are still a bit wishy-washy but the word out there is that a 6.0-liter V12, 570 and above horsepower engine will be at work. The interior was supposed to be a secret but sneaky photographers and even the operator here manage to “get the picture” – the rev-counter needle moves the wrong way but we don’t care. Oh, and then there’s the sound which, to us, doesn’t sound “insane” but pretty darn close.

Enough silly talk. Please, indulge yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/mO3VwMkzDEs

Source: marchettino via YouTube

May 30, 2012

Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition II

The Mazda Demio (or Mazda2) 13C-V Smart Edition is getting a samllish update and from now on, it will be known as the Mazda Demio 13C-V Smart Edition II. Fair enough but there’s a problem – only Japan is getting it. Don’t worry, there’s a reason for that.

Because it’s now 0.4 km/l more economical than before, the 13C-V Smart Edition II qualifies for a 50% reduction in tax according to Japan’s eco-car tax reduction program. Now, if we trust the country’s JC08 mode test cycle, we should be able to cover 20.6 km on a single liter of fuel. That… number basically will make the Smart Edition II much more desirable as it moves closer to the 13-SKYACTIV version which is completely exempt from taxes.

If that doesn’t catch our attention, then maybe the rear roof spoiler will do the trick. There’s also a undercover added. As optional extras, you can get a keyless entry system for it as well as an automatic liftgate and start, front fog lights and auto-leveling low-beams.

The 13-SKYACTIV will be available with three color options for the interior (that includes the Border Black shade when taken with the Sporty or Comfort package).

Source: Mazda

May 30, 2012

Ugur Sahin Alfa Romeo 12C GTS Concept [HD video]

Ugur Sahin Design has released an interesting video, where the Alfa Romeo C12 GTS Concept has been previewed. The Dutch specialty coachworks and design company shows their bold design of the sports car.

The main goal is to reinterpret Alfa Romeo’s historical lines, surfaces and styling cues with fresh perspective and state of mind in order to create an appealing design and combining the familiar design language of Alfa Romeo combined with sharper lines and surfaces without losing the organic attractiveness of the car.

For now, the car is only a rendering, but the company is searching for investors, who may be interested and help the C12 GTS Concept to become a real sports car.

Check out the video and the pictures below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFDxUxWEV80

Source: UgurSahinDesign via Youtube

May 29, 2012

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Best Luxury Car Award

The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S has been around for quite a while now, and yet it still manages to capture the public’s hearts. The latest award to be swept away by the four-door grand tourer comes from the leading Spanish financial magazine “El Economista”. The category is “Best Luxury Car”.

Within 15 days, more than 60, 000 people saw the Quattroporte as the most suitable contestant. Runner ups included the Porsche Panamera GTS, Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, Audi S8, Jaguar XJ and BMW Series 6 Gran Coupé.

“The Italian Marque can combine like nobody else the best luxury with the strongest performance. This is the very essence of this Sport GT S version of the Maserati Quattroporte saloon. The result of the vote clearly shows that sportiness and luxury work better when they are combined, that people do not want to choose between one or the other: they want both” said Manolo Domenech, Editor of Ecomotor during the award ceremony which took place on the opening day of the Madrid Motor Show.

Popping up the hood, we have to admit, the Sport GT S is a charmer – a 4.7 V8 powertrain that develops 433 bhp and 490 Nm. Further down the line, an automatic/paddle-shigt transmission sends the power to 20-inch, wider-than-standard wheels. Inside various accents incorporate carbon-fiber and Alcantra.

As a model, the Quattroporte has received over 50 awards during its lifetime – which is sort of not enough considering that Pininfarina were responsible for the design.

Source: Maserati

May 29, 2012

Blog