Automobiles Review – Page 875 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2013 Ford Taurus SHO at the race track [HD video]

Ford has released a nice video highlighting the 2013 Taurus SHO, which hits the race track. The clip was filmed at the Grattan Raceway aiming to show the customers the unique performance ability of the vehicle.

The Taurus SHO comes with optional performance package giving more driving pleasure and including includes a sport-tuned suspension, a high-performance braking system and a revised stability control system with a dedicated track mode.

“The beauty of the Taurus SHO Performance Pack is that it really is a track-capable vehicle, but still a daily driver. You can take your kids to school, drop them off … and head to the track and have a little fun and come back at the end of the day and pick them up and no one would ever know.”, said Ford Vehicle Integration Engineer Robert Kay.

2013 Ford Taurus is powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 370HP (272 kW) and 474Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending that power to an AWD system.

Enjoy the video!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKU84tBRvdA

Source: Ford via Youtube

May 16, 2012

2013 BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible US – Price $44 145 and $48 845

BMW has announced the new 2013 1-Series (F20), recently and now the company is turning back to introduced the sports model of E82 (1-Series Coupe) and E88 (1-Series Convertible) – 135iS.

Both the new 135iS Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44 145 and $48 845 respectively, including $895 destination and handling.

The 135iS is powered by the famous TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (N55), which is slightly updated to produce 324HP (239 kW) and 429Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT).

A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.

The 135iS is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

The differential in the 135iS is also updated and optimized for running smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The exterior boasts gloss black accents, a lowered stance and exclusive 18” alloy wheels, while the interior comes with a pair of sport seats with blue contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals and unique badging.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

Source: BMW US

May 16, 2012

G-Power Hurricane BMW M5 RRs

Back in 2010, G-Power created this monster of a thing. It had 800 hp, 780 Nm and held a high-speed record of 372 km/h which was previously owned again by G-Power. Apparently, a great interest has boomed from this and today G-Power are delivering their 100th BMW Hurricane M5 RR. So why not make it special? They have – it’s the Hurricane M5 RRs with even more power and spunk.

Based on the E60, this performance beast harbors a BI-Kompressor „Sporty Drive” system. In other words, two superchargers that are now even bigger than before – a move from ASA T1-313 to ASA T1-316 (clearly visible with that orange cover over them). For the optimum performance, further down the line, that compressed air is efficiently cooled by an intercooler prior to ignition. But it’s not just the lungs that had undergone an operation. The heart has been tweaked as well: All ten pistons (good old E60s were still produced with V10 engines) have been replaced with lighter, more durable and more balanced MAHLE ones. That includes the connecting rods and the piston pins – all heavy duty stuff. Add a little engine management fiddling and you get an end result of 830 hp that get conjured up within the 7,500 and 8,000 rpm range.

With the help of some peripherals like the G-POWER SPEEDFLOW exhaust system that incorporates two, back-pressure reducing racing catalysts and the buffed fuel injectors and pump, the Hurricane RRs is said to reach the 100 km/h threshold in just 4.3 seconds. By the time the stopwatch reaches 9.1, this light blue beast would be doing 200 km/h. Want to hear another bonkers claim? 300 km/h for 25,2 seconds from a standstill!

It should be good on the curves as well – a G-Power RS coilover suspension with nine settings for the compression and rebound can achieve miracles if one knows how to use it. Then there are the brakes which are expected to comply with the new found power – six-piston calipers at the front gripping 396 mm steel brake disks. At the back, you get the slightly less impressive 380 mm ones operated by four-piston calipers. You can get the carbon-ceramic set which will be significantly more expensive but essentially non-fading alternative.

It’s not all stop and go with this jubilee M5 though. The stainless steel muffler with deeptone technology and four 83 mm tail pipes will provide the much needed thunder to shatter glass. The alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, are equally impressive with their ten double-spoke design. Think in numbers: 255/35 ZR19 tires at the front and 305/30 ZR19 ones at the back.

Source: G-Power

May 16, 2012

Toyota GT86 and Lexus LFA to compete in Nuerburgring 24 Hours

Toyota GT86, in fact four units of it and one of the Lexus LFA are going to compete in the Nuerburgring 24 Hours from 17th till 20th of May. It is a well known fact that the Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars.

Hence, it is the perfect time for the demonstration of the powers of those two exceptional models the Lexus LFA and the GT86. At the disposal of the brand for the racing will be Gazoo Racing team. It will field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class).

In the team of course are included technicians and drivers, which will take care for the unique racing vehicles and apply their skills and craftsmanship where needed. Furthermore, they will also gain information and experience which will serve as a means of feedback directly into the work developing future vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already achieved much success by winning the two shorter-distance races at the Nuerburgring. There the Lexus LFA won two times in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.

In addition to this, the Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Those tow sport cars will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models.

Source: Toyota

May 16, 2012

Seat to participate with six exquisite models in the iconic GTI Meet

Seat will participate with a wide range of vehicle models in the legendary GTI Meet in the Austrian state of Kärnten from 16th to 19th May. There the company will show six particularly fiery variants of the Leon, Ibiza and, for the first time, the Seat Mii FR.

First, Ibiza SC Trophy and the Leon Super Copa will mark the sporty headline Seat’s display, while the Seat Mii FR will make its world debut.

Seat Ibiza CUPRA Concept will be the star of the event. The model was designed in accordance with the brand’s new Visual Identity – is the Ibiza CUPRA Concept. It represents a new-generation super-sporty SEAT and its debut was just recent –at the Auto China in Beijing.

The vehicle is propelled with 1.4 TSI power unit which delivers 180 hp (132 kW). In addition, what distinguishes the car is its Spice yellow paintwork that contrasts with gloss-black exterior mirrors and 17-inch wheels with red brake callipers shimmering through the spokes.

Next come the Seat Ibiza FR and Seat Leon CUPRA R which are two exceptional vehicles made in individual design. Both are painted in Nevada white color and include a host of extras from the SEAT accessory range.

Ibiza FR rides on 17-inch wheels in black finish and polished silver. It also comes equipped with exterior mirrors and brake callipers painted in red, and an enlarged rear spoiler. The interior is all dominated by red accents.

On the other hand, the Leon CUPRA R has glossy black rims that contrast perfectly with the white paintwork. Additionally, it includes red brake calliper nestling behind the wheel. The interior here is dominated by trim pieces in black piano lacquer.

Seat Mii FR is the model which will make a debut at the event. Its exterior is painted in Tornado red, which gives the car more powerful stance. The great color is complemented by the black applications on the wheel arches, additional spoiler accent and black 16-inch aluminium wheels.

Moreover, red and black elements can also be found on the cockpit. The sports seat with fully integrated head restraint comes with distinctive red FR lettering.

At last but not least, Seat Ibiza SC Trophy and Seat Leon Super Copa are the cars which will compete in the race track. They will be shown at the Wörthersee festival, where the people can enjoy their special grey paint finish and wheels, mirrors and roll cage in fluorescent orange.

First, the Ibiza SC Trophy comes with 180 hp (132 kW) from its 1.4 TSI power unit under the bonnet. It is mounted to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The latter is shifted from the steering wheel, as on the series-production model, while a locking differential guarantees amazing traction.

What is more here is that the engine comes with a modified oil sump, a mighty brake system and racing suspension. The model runs on 18-inch wheels housed under flared wheel arches.

The second racing car is Seat Leon Super Copa which is a representation of the more senior league of SEAT Motorsport. In fact, this vehicle is based on its sibling racer from the WTCC, and more than 250 units of this model have already been built.

More importantly, the cup car is powered by an optimized version of the 2.0-litre TSI engine from the Leon CUPRA R. The modification of the engine results in the production of the outstanding 300 hp (221 kW) at a maximum torque of 340 Nm. The engine is mated to a a six-speed DSG transmission and has mechanically locking differential to the front wheels.

Source: Seat

May 16, 2012

Alfa 8C Competizione by Wheelsandmore

Few have dared to modify the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione partly because it’s such a rare find and partly because it’s such a masterful piece of art. Wheelsandmore however, quite ambitiously, have taken up the challenge to spice things up. But even they are cautious about it liking the “Senza-Cromo” (that’s how they called their project) to “delicate surgery.” The power is up, the suspension is new and the wheels are big – an ordinary formula for an extraordinary car. Applicable on the Alfa 8C Spider as well.

Let’s start with the figures first. With an ECU upgrade and a handcrafted, stainless steel exhaust system, Wheelsandmore have been able to increase the output from 450hp and 470 Nm to around 485 hp and 520 Nm. Because of the remote controlled valve flaps on the exhaust pipes, the 8C will even sound right, or at least distinctive.

What can be described as a handling upgrade is the brand new set of wheels – customizable 6Sporz² ultra light wheels (that can come in full carbon). At the front, they measure to 9.0×21-inches while at the back, we have two wider wheels – 12.5×21-inches – wrapped in 345/25/21 S1Evo tires from Hanook.

Improving on the ride (notoriously bad with the 8C) is the new suspension coilover kit – fully adjustable in terms of compression and rebound. Whether this will benefit your lap time or hurt your spine even more (or both actually), remains unknown.

As a finishing touch we have the paint job. It’s just that it isn’t paint. More like matte white foil. The red and black stripe though, we like that.

Wheelsandmore Alfa-Romeo 8C Competizione

Source: Wheelsandmore

May 16, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 debuts with 662 horsepower

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever created with its 662 horsepower top track speeds of more than 200 mph. It will undoubtedly bring the muscle car philosophy into new heights.

This performance is possible due to its 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces. And we must say it again – it achieves the outstanding 662 horsepower (487 kW) at 631 lb.-ft. (855 nM) of torque. In fact, this is the highest-horsepower engine ever produced in the U.S.

The additional horsepower was achieved through thorough optimization of the powertrain. In details this Ford includes a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, an all-forged engine rotating assembly, updated camshaft profiles, upgraded head gaskets, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

However, the key to the 662 hp is the larger and more efficient supercharger. What it basically does is to help flow more air through the engine.

In addition to that the cooling system has been upgraded as well. It now features a high-capacity cooling fan, fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger.

Cooling fan capacity was also modified – now it has an increased and a higher-efficiency intercooler added to keep the air entering the engine as cool as possible. Combined with the efficient, high-capacity flow pump, these two measures control temperatures under extreme conditions.

Furthermore, the clutch has been transformed as well. With its increased torque and rpm capacity, it utilizes a dual-disc design. The diameter and clamp load have been increased and the clutch-facing material has been revised for additional resistance to burst and enhanced transfer of power.

Design improvements for this Ford vehicle feature all-new signature lighting with two LED bars in the front and rear, rocker panels in body-color, high-gloss black panel between the taillamps at the rear and a diffuser that surrounds a new quad-tip exhaust.

2013 Shelby GT500 rides on two new sets of forged-aluminum wheels: the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels coupled with Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires on all configurations. These wheels are freshened with the dark finish and updated spoke designs and in addition to that are extremely lightweight.

Significant work has been also done in aerodynamics of the Shelby GT500. They include a new front splitter and black-painted upper and lower grille inserts. They expose the radiator drive which helps funnel air and cools the internals of the vehicle systems. The larger splitter helps create downforce when the car hits top speeds.

No driver will be less than satisfied when being behind the steering wheel of the new Shelby GT500. Its driving dynamics have been overhauled, it has new Brembo™ brakes with six-piston calipers in front and its wheels were also tuned.

Ford has thought about customers who want even more exceptional drive. The new Shelby is now being offered with the optional Performance Package. This feature is accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button and has several modes for selection. The Normal mode gives the driver a comfortable ride over road irregularities, while the Sport mode delivers improved response time on the track, and less body roll while cornering and pitch under braking.

Additionally, the Torsen® limited-slip differential also comes with the Performance Package. What it basically does is that it helps the rear suspension deliver torque and traction under the most demanding conditions on the track.

Of course, all who are willing can upgrade their Performance Package with an additional Track Package for all-out racetrack performance. The latter includes an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

A lot of innovations have been also included in this GT500 model. One of the key ones is the productivity screen. It offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to muscle car’s performance. The LCD can be found between the tachometer and speedometer.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 also can be found now in dealerships.

Source: Ford

May 16, 2012

Mercedes CL Black Edition V2 Aerodynamic Kit by Prior Design

Say hello to the Prior Design BlackEdition widebody aerodynamic kit for the Mercedes-Benz CL… version 2.0. Or as Prior would like to call it – V2. It fits all W216 coupes and to some extent, it acts as a development over the previous one.

Naturally, some of the components are shared with the first project while the new ones are designated by a “BlackEdtitionV2” label. Namely, we are talking about the front bumper which gets two air outlets at the sides and at the back we have a bit more change – the fins on the diffuser are now far more articulated and the rear bumper is also new. As for the other parts, it’s a bit of a de ja vu – a vented hood, flaring wheel arches interjoined by some side skirts and mesh grille inserts. Prior seem to have ditched the air-scoop thingy for which we thank them.

There’s one more thing that we get from the old one as well – the price. This Dura Flex fiber plastic luxury will set you back 12,900 Euros or $16,426. For that kind of money, you can almost by a Peugeot 408 in Russia – spicy. But hey, you do get mounting material and that’s a game changer, right?

Prior Design BlackEditionV2 Mercedes-Benz CL — Prior Design Black Edition V2 Mercedes-Benz CL

Source: Prior Design

May 16, 2012

Peugeot 408 Out in Russia

It was rather expected, but today, at a press conference, Peugeot launched the 408 Saloon on the Russian market. It will be made in Russia and sold under the price tag of 549,000 rubles which is roughly around 18,559 US dollars. The range will be moderately flexible with three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

The thing is, anything above the Access (the entry one) would be pretentious. As standard features, you get electronic brake force distribution, airbags for the front, central locking, heated door mirrors with power adjustment, an engine pan guard and ABS.

The whole power train range consists of 1.6 engines – one diesel and three petrol units. The pressure is on the diesel one as it is supposed to do 5 liters per 100 km on the mixed cycle and yet it has to develop 112 hp and 254 Nm at just 1750 rpm. The petrol ones range from 110 hp to 150 hp and have a figure of consumption at around 7.5 l per 100 km on average. A choice between a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission will be available.

As a well rounded saloon, the Peugeot 408 sounds like the perfect car for a reasonably large family in Russia. In fact, it’s big enough to pass as an executive vehicle. Why would they put an Allure trim otherwise?

Source: Peugeot

May 16, 2012

Lamborghini Gallardo Toro by DMC

DMC Design has announced their tuning package for Lamborghini Gallardo. The project is called Toro and features both styling and performance upgrades.

The exterior comes with complete body kit made of carbon fiber. It includes a new carbon fiber front lip spoiler streches the Gallardo, makes it’s look more aggressive and supports downforce on the front axle. New carbon fiber side panels as well as added carbon fiber side diffusers make the car wider, more stable on the road, and add a salient aura. In addition, DMC added a new carbon fiber rear spoiler wing on the top, and a bigger carbon fiber rear diffuser on the bottom, both supporting improved aerodynamics of the car.

The tuned sports car roll enormous 9.5J x 20” front wheels and 13J x 20” at the rear axle fitted with performance tires.

Speaking for performance, DMC boosted the mighty 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 to 580HP (427 kW) and 575Nm (424 lb-ft) of torque. Additionally, a sports exhaust system is available adding another 20HP (15 kW). With the upgrade, the top speed is 330 km/h (205 mph).

Source: DMC

May 15, 2012

Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype – 770HP

Porsche will actually release the 918 Spyder. The manufacturer has finished the first prototype.

The powertrain includes a 4.6 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) and two electric motors – a 109HP (80 kW) on the front axle and a 122HP (90 kW) electric motor on the rear axle. This means a combined power of 770HP (566 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). This performance comes at decent “price” – 3.0 litres per 100 km (94.1 mpg UK) with CO2 emission of 70 g/km. Furthermore, thanks to a 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the model can travel more than 25 km (15.5 miles) on electricity alone at speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph).

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.
The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 is out.

Source: Porsche

May 15, 2012

2013 BMW 3-Series Touring – Price £29 380

BMW has revealed pictures and details of the new 2013 3-Series Touring model. Initially, the manufacturer has launched only the saloon version of the new 3-Series – the F30, but Touring, Coupe and Convertible will hit the market in the next two years. The new M3 is only a rendering for now.

The front is practically the same as the saloon and the rear is photocopied from the new F11 (5-Series Touring).

Dimensions have been slightly increased over its predecessor that has allowed additional leg room and luggage space. The overall length measures 97mm longer while the wheelbase has also gained an extra 50mm. It helps the model achieve an extra 17mm of legroom and 35 liters of additional luggage space.

The engine range includes two diesel and a petrol power units. The entry level 320d is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. The powerful 330d has a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine with 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. The 328i comes with 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that develops 245HP (187kW) and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque.

The 330d accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The 2013 BMW 3-Series Touring is priced from £29 380 for the base 320d model.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	Price OTR
*BMW 328i Touring*	245	350	6.0	155*	41.5	159	£30,400
*BMW 320d Touring*	184	380	7.7	143	60.1 (61.4)	124 (122)	£29,380
*BMW 330d Touring*	258	560	5.6	155*	55.4	135	£34,700

*Electronically-limited. **Automatic transmission only.

Source: BMW

May 15, 2012

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