Automobiles Review – Page 876 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Legendary Jaguar C-Type wins Monaco Historique

jag_monaco_c-type_THUMB The legendary 1952 Jaguar C-Type won the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, Serie C for Pre-1953 Sports Prototypes. Behind the steering wheel was the driver Alex Buncombe, thank to him the prestigious FIA sanctioned race was won.

In particular, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is one of the most popular and broadly appreciated “historic” racings around the world. This is the 8th running of the FIA sanctioned event, and generally it occurs two weeks before the F1 Grand Prix.

However, more importantly, the actual race winning 1952 C-type has an interesting history. The first owner of the legend was Juan Manuel Fangio, who bought it directly from the Jaguar factory. The car then was carefully prepared by the team and mechanics of Jaguar, In order to be in perfect condition and to take part in the race.

The driver Alex Buncombe himself has even commented how super quick the C-Type was and in fact that in his opinion this was the best C-type in the world.

Another highlight is that this is also a debut for the Jaguar brand in this race. And the result as we see is a superb achievement.

The next event for Jaguar Heritage Racing is the legendary Mille Miglia in Italy. It will start on 16th of May (Thursday), so stay tuned!

Legendary Jaguar C-Type at Monaco Historique

Source: Jaguar

May 15, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 450h features 254kW Atkinson cycle hybrid drivetrain

2012 Lexus GS 450h is the most efficient GS ever created by the brand. It includes an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain which will contribute the model to become of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

Thank to its unique hybrid system, the Lexus’ efficient hybrid powerplant consumes just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100km. This means in fact that the new customers will save circa twenty percent from fuel in comparison to the outgoing model. At the same the CO2 emissions have been also reduced significantly to the number of 147g/km.

The performance of this Lexus hybrid vehicle is reassured by a combined power output of 254kW. Thank to it, the 450h can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

What is more here, compared to its predecessor, the GS 450h also offers greater space and onboard technology. This is mainly due to the redesigned chassis. There is also forty-five percent more boot space which now is increase from 320 to 465 litres.

Another interesting fact here is that the GS 450h is actually the first hybrid vehicle, which comes equipped with all-wheel steering. And in particular, it is the first one to include an Atkinson cycle engine driving the rear wheels, and the first Atkinson cycle engine to feature direct and port injection.

In terms of security and safety features, there are some innovations included, such as: an advanced Pre-Collision safety System (PCS), a Driver Fatigue Monitor camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). The latter now operates at all speeds down to 0km/h.

Additionally, the safety suite is enhanced by a Blind Spot Monitor, which now comes as a standard to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, and an expanded Head Up Display (HUD) unit. This unit shows the road speed, cruise control, gear position, turn-by turn navigation and tachometer.

GS 450h models will be offered in three trim levels: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury, which are expected to be launched in June this year.

2012 Lexus GS 450h Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type		2GR-FXE 3.5L V6
Capacity (cm³)		3.456
Cylinders/valves		V6/24
Engine configuration		Atkinson cycle, six cylinders, V-formation, 24-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinderand alloy cylinder block. Featuring direct and port injection
Bore x stroke (mm)		94.0 x 83.0
Compression ratio		13.0
Max. combined output		254kW
Max. engine output		215kW @ 6,000rpm
Max. engine torque		352Nm @ 4,500rpm
Hybrid battery	type	Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
	voltage	650V
Max. motor output		147kW
Max. motor torque		275Nm
Transmission
Type		Six-step E-CVT (Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddleshift
Steering
Turning diameter (m@body)		11.2, or 10.8 with rear steer
Luxury		Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
F Sport		Rack and pinion EPS with Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering
Sports Luxury		Rack and pinion EPS
Seating capacity
No of seats		5
Exterior dimensions (mm)
Overall length		4,850
Width		1,840
Height		1,455
Wheelbase		2,850
Interior dimensions (mm)
Front to rear couple distance		945
Front legroom		1,075
Rear legroom		935
Driven wheels
Type of drive		Rear-wheel drive
Wheels and tyres
Luxury		18 x 8J alloy (F/R) Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
F Sport		19 x 8J (F), 19 x 9J (R) alloy Bridgestone 235/40 R19 96Y (F) 265/35 R19 94Y (R)
Sports Luxury		18 x 8J (F/R) alloy Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
Brake type
		Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-forceDistribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Managementsystem (VDIM)
Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
F Sport		356 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear (Two-piece rotors front with four piston calipers)
Sports Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
Performance
0 – 100km/h (s)		5.9
Max. speed (km/h)		250 (limited)
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined		6.3
Urban		6.9
Highway		5.8
^* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style,vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle.
CO₂ emissions (g/km)
Combined		147

Source: Lexus

May 15, 2012

2012 Toyota Yaris delivers exceptional blend of fuel economy and performance

2012 Toyota Yaris has achieved sales up 140 percent in April and 70 percent for the year. This means that the subcompact Toyota vehicle is one of the most frequent choices customers make, when they have in mind characteristics such as performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety.
The new Yaris is now being offered in two variants – with three- and five-door. Both are available with five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmissions.

More importantly, the vehicle is propelled by the efficient 106 hp (78 kW) four-cylinder engine which in addition has a Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Thank to this the car achieves 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual and 30 city/35 highway with the automatic transmission.

Another benefit of the Yaris is the safety it provides for its occupants. It has a reinforced cabin which integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the roof and doors.

Furthermore, the seating positions are equipped with height-adjustable head rests and three-point seatbelts. There is also a set of airbags included as a standard: driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags and first and second row side-curtain airbags.

In addition to all this as a standard, the brand has decided to include the Toyota’s Star Safety System on all its models. The latter system features: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Next, an advantage to be mentioned is the comfort of the car. Yaris’ cabin provides rear seating for three persons with headrests in all positions. In addition to this, the interior is driver orientated and includes easy-to-reach controls, high center-mounted instrument cluster for excellent on-road visibility, and an array of storage spaces and cup holders.

Further features as standard equipment are: air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defogger and intermittent wipers.

And if the customer wants to have an additional space for the luggage, Toyota has made the rear seatback foldable, so that the cargo capacity becomes from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback comes as a standard on LE and SE grades.

What we’ve almost forgotten is the remarkable exterior of the Yaris, which combines contemporary vision with crisp character. Here the grill is accented by sharp character lines that flow into the sleek hood and windshield.

Now the vehicle is even more aerodynamic, because the outer moldings on the windshield and door glass have been eliminated.

And if one is more of a sportier type of person, Toyota has thought about them too! If one enjoys a dynamic driving experience and seek this, then 2012 Toyota SE is made for them. This model comes with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic one, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, quicker-ratio steering and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices starting at $14,115.

Source: Toyota

May 15, 2012

Chevrolet Debuts SUV in Paris

The 2012 Paris Motor Show, which will be held well into the second half of this year in September, is to become the venue for a new Chevrolet. We are talking about a compact SUV which will be an obvious competitor to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Say hello to the Chevrolet Trax.

What the company promises with the five-seater Trax is high value, quality, refinement and looks at a lower-than-usual prices. For now we have this render which supposedly exhibits “a musular exterior design and a wide aesthetic stance”. We can surely see it’s chunky, but athletic?

Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe commented: “Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers require.”

The Trax will most probably hit the European markets sometime in the spring, next year. As much as 140 countries might get it.

Source: Chevrolet

May 14, 2012

Audi Q3 Red Track

News from Audi as a Q3 concept has appeared which suspiciously looks munch like the Vali Concept we saw earlier this year. At the very least, this new one is also red… If not even redder. So red in fact that Audi have called it the Red Track. It’s a themed contribution to the Wörthersee Tour that starts in May 16th – a populiar Volkswagen and Audi show.

As we said, red, or Energy Red, is the predominant theme in this one. We suspect that Audi dipped the whole Q3 Red Track in pant since even the cylinder head cover has traces of red on it. Inside, it’s pretty much the same story with added ultra-leather-nappa-aluminum-luxury. The uphostery boasts red piping with double seams and red stitching. Patches from it are made of red Velvet leather. Same segments can be found on the doors as well, despite them being generally in steel gray Nappa leather. The headlining is also gray, but made from Alcantra. The instrument panel is barraged with aluminum which sticks out nicely from the overall tone of the again Nappa material that covers it.

Enough about fabrics though as we feel an allergy coming. How about the more healthy aspects of the Red Track such as the engine – a good dose of 340 hp coming from a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder TFSI petrol unit – tremendous but then again, it should be as all of that goes to all the four wheels (permanently) trough a seven-speed S tronic transmission. In other words: zero to sixty mph in 5.4 seconds, top speed – 163 mph and naturally an upper edge on the uncharted territories. (why else would it flare it’s arches so flamboyantly?).

Obviously, when designing the Q3, the Audi engineers and masterminds had the Alps as an image in their heads. Overcoming the natural obstacles that mother nature has in store…. with flash lights and hot coffee. No, seriously. At the luggage compartment, on one of its side, there’s a station designated for storing and charging flashlights while a thermos canister can be found within the cup holder that’s in between the front two seats. Then there are the roof rails which look like completely ordinary (aluminum maybe) but Audi say they are specifically designed to carry a set of skis.

Source: Audi

May 14, 2012

BMW E92 M3 ESS vs Mercedes SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo and Nissan GT-R [HD video]

Here is another great drag race battle between several ultra-fast sports cars – BMW M3 E92 ESS VT2-650 with 700HP, Porsche 911 Turbo 997 with 530HP, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG PP-Performance Stage 2 with 750HP and mighty Nissan GT-R Mk.1 Sportec Stage 2 with 600HP.

The BMW meets all its opponents at incredibly slippery surface, so it had huge problems with the traction.

In the first start the M3 E92 met the 911 Turbo. The BMW crossed the 1 mile mark with 282 km/h and time of 30.942 seconds, but that wasn’t enough fast to beat the underpowered Porsche, which won with 30.024 seconds and terminal speed of just 271 km/h.

In the second start, the BMW went against the 6.0 liter bi-turbo Mercedes, which also had problems with the traction, but managed to beat the M3 with a small lead. The SL65 AMG crossed the finish line at 30.372 seconds time with 290 km/h.

In the final start, another M3 with the same tuning package, but a saloon version (E90) didn’t stand a chance against a brutal Nissan GT-R with 600HP. The GT-R made incredible time of 28.542 seconds, which is more than 2 seconds faster than the BMW.

Check out all starts in the video below.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k65TWA6wzPM

Source: Dragtimesinfo

May 14, 2012

2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo Urban White – €18 975

Volkswagen has announced the new 2012 CrossPolo Urban White special edition.

It features a nice white exterior with some gloss black accents like mirrors and 17” alloy wheels. The exterior also boasts tinted windows and black roof rails.

The interior boats cloth and Alcantara sports seats, a black headliner and silver contrast stitching. There is also a silver-painted center stack, chrome trim and an air conditioning system.

Numerous “Silver One” painted in panels on the radio, climate control panel and air vents and a chrome trim on the steering wheel. Silver-gray stitching on the 3-spoke leather steering wheel, handbrake lever and the textile foot mats complete the elegant look of the new model.

The CrossPolo Urban White will hit the market later this year priced at €18 975. It will be available with three common-rail TDI engines producing between 70HP (51 kW) and 105HP (77 kW). The transmission choices are 5- or 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic.

Source: Volkswagen

May 14, 2012

Lotus Evora GTC – 456 HP and 460Nm

Lotus has announced the racing version of Evora – the GTC model.

It comes with a lot of carbon fiber elements to save weight – doors, roof and engine cover. There is also Plexiglass windows for additional weight savings. Thanks to all these mods, the car dropped its weight with 30kg to 1130 kg (2491 lbs.).

Traction control and BOSCH racing Anti-Lock Brakes system have been added to optimize power delivery and braking control.

The wheels and tyres are wider which not only gives the car more grip through the curves, the front and rear wheels rise to 18x10Js and 12Js respectively, mated to 27/65-18 tyres at the front and 30/65-18 at the rear.

In order to accommodate the wider wheels, flared arches have been fitted, which give the car a more aggressive silhouette.

Evora GTC is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 456HP (335 kW) and 460Nm (339 lb-ft). It is mated to an XTRAC 6-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission.

“The Evora’s development and a front-row racing car is achieving its performance targets and the GTC is an evolution of a car that has already taken wins on the track – the GT4 Enduro. Last month Team Bullrun took victory at Silverstone in the Britcar endurance championship with a GT4 Enduro that benefitted from GTC development parts, and the team’s upgrade will be completed in June when there’s an appropriate lull in their racing schedule. The car’s weight-saving and improved grip and braking abilities should help increase the gap between them and the teams chasing them in the championship. We’re very pleased to welcome McMahon Raceworks to Lotus ownership and will provide them with a car adapted to US racing rules, and look forward to seeing the GTC make its marque in Grand-Am.”, commented Claudio Berro, director of Lotus Racing.

Source: Lotus

May 14, 2012

MINI John Cooper Works GP

A GP designation on a MINI means that it has spawned from the depths of hell. Well, not really. It’s more like a job from John Cooper Works. The last time we saw a similar speed demon was in 2006 when a MINI Cooper S with a GP Kit by John Cooper Works (the performance subsidiary of MINI’s) with 136 hp-per-liter power ratio, lapped the Nurburgring in less than 8 min. 44 seconds. Today, we have a new one and the word is that it’s the fastest MINI ever built.

Because it still is in its trial period, things are quite hush-hush about it. All we know is that it has already went round the Nurburgring setting a time of 8min. 23 seconds. In other words – an almost 19 second improvement over the old one. The main suspects for that blisteringly quick lap are the aerodynamics, the chassis and the powertrain. Without a doubt, more air has been squeezed from the MINI’s twin-scroll turbo charger. Indeed, the character of the latest GP is quite revealing – literally. Look at that roof spoiler and that unapologetic diffuser. How about the front apron with the red air intakes which look like blood quenched fangs? Mean and functional.

We can only guess the size of the disc brakes and how many roll bars have been added, but at MINI, they assure us – the handling has been perfected to the tiniest detail. The tires have been made to outgrip even the harshest lateral forces and most probably the suspension is stiff as hell. (still a road legal car though).

Sales will commence later this year with a limited run of only 2,000 units. Our guess is, they will sell quickly. A MINI Cooper GP by John Cooper Works is the definition of small-car, hardcore fun.

Source: MINI

May 14, 2012

2012 Overfinch Land Rover Defender – an inspiring customization

2012 Overfinch Land Rover Defender is the latest project of the luxury delivering company Overfinch. In fact, the latter specializes particularly in enhancing Range Rovers through modifications made in appearance and technical terms and has gained a wide popularity among celebrities.

The exterior of this new modified Land Rover includes personalised options such as LED daytime running lights, colour coded bodywork and selected surfaces, grille and lamp pod detailing, bonnet lettering and Overfinch decals. What is visible is that the vehicle retains its unique body shape and purposeful stance, while at the same time incorporating some innovations.

On the other hand, the interior of the Overfinch features exquisite leather works, which have modified the surface and made it more sensuous and tactile. This all contributes to a unique cabin ambiance that combines practicality and style.

The customers can choose a lot of combinations in terms of leather colours, contrast stitching and seat piping, emblem stitching and more. In addition, there is always the option of partial or complete leather conversions throughout the whole interior. For instance, such personalization may include standard or sports seats, door panels, dash, headlining, rear body sides, transmission tunnel and upgraded cubby box.

Furthermore, Overfinch has included in the interior high-grade floor mats, Overfinch leather steering wheel, Overfinch dials and stainless surround & SVX gear knob and range selector. All this will make the driving experience even more enjoyable.

2012 Overfinch Land Rover Defender Wheels Range

We can’t go further without mentioning the unique set of wheels included in this project. The choice here is really broad, and we must state that the quality and performance of the Overfinch alloy wheels are unsurpassed. In details, they are TUV certified with direct fitment (no hub adaptors or spacers), 8.5” wide with a 20mm offset, available in the following finishes: Diamond Turned Anthracite, Titanium, Gloss Black, Matt Black.

At last, the wheels include BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres – T/A KO 265/65 R18 R, with the optional white Goodrich branding on the tyre wall. They will undoubtedly balance between the off- and on-road capabilities and the visual appearance of the Defender. In addition to that, they’ll minimize the road noise.

Source: Overfinch

May 14, 2012

2012 EDO Competition Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG T-Model with new power kit

2012 EDO Competition Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG T-Model was designed specifically for the exceptional engine in the Mercedes C 63 AMG. The tuning that EDO Competition is offering to it is a power kit that will leave breathless almost anyone.

In particular, the kit comprises of new exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, new air filters, revised engine electronics and a removal of the top speed governor.

As a result, the tuners have made the power of the Mercedes enormous – it was increased from the stock output of 457 horsepower (336 kW) to 600 horsepower (441 kW). Even more, the torque output has also grown from 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) to 680 Nm (501 lb-ft).

The increase of power comes with an impressive and awe-inspiring sound. It is produced from the new exhaust with butterfly valves. In details, the high-performance exhaust system includes a programmable electronic controller. The latter monitors the level of back pressure and opens the integrated 70 mm butterfly valves when a certain threshold is exceeded.

Moreover, this new exhaust is made entirely from stainless steel and the chromed exhaust tips. They look a lot like the original ones, and keep the same class and impressive styling.

With greater power comes greater speed. 2012 EDO Competition Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG T-Model has a top speed exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph).

And in order to keep up with that amazing number, there was a need of new tires. Now the Mercedes comes with new 19-inch Michelin high-performance tires. In fact, the 235/35 ZR 19 front tires were mounted on 8.5Jx19 multi-piece wheels, while at the same time the 265/30 ZR 19 rear tires on 9.5Jx19 multi-piece wheels.

And to make the car even more impressive, the EDO Competition tuners have taken care for the interior as well. Throughout the cabin, one can see carbon fiber applications which contribute for the esthetic qualities of the vehicle.

Technical Data:

• Engine: V8 engine

• Capacity est.: 600 hp / (441 kW) at 7.800 rpm

• Max. torque est.: 680 Nm at 5.300 rpm

Specifications:

• Top speed ca. 343 km/h / 214 mph

• 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 4,1 sec.

Tuning:

• new high performance exhaust system

• new sport manifolds

• new sport catalytic converter

• ECU recalibration

• Vmax abolishment

• sport exhaust system stainless steel, single (catalytic converter, muffler, end pipes)

• the sound level of the high performance exhaust can be adjusted via remote control

• 19“ Sport wheels on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires (235/ 35 R 19 in the front, 265/ 30 R 19 in the rear)

• wheels can be custom-painted on request

• interior carbon fiber

• custom exterior styling using special foil wrapping technology, available in any color

Source: Edo Competition

May 14, 2012

2012 Fostla Audi Q7 SUV now offering 600 horsepower

2012 Fostla Audi Q7 SUV is a unique and newly tuned vehicle which will amaze you with its 600 horsepower (441 kW) and exceptional appearance added to the inherent Audi class and style.

The tuning company is no other but German based and in details it specializes in premium wrapping foils. In details the machine which stays behind this makeover, is the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. It has served as a basis for the foiling.

In fact, this was the first ever V12 TDI in a passenger vehicle. This engine has the capacity to produce an output of 368 kW (500 hp) and 1,000 Nm of torque (737.56 lb-ft) from its six liters. This means that solely the base model catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.5 seconds and has an electronically capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

But let’s go back to the work of Fostla. What is important to highlight here is that the skilled handwork turns out to be a one of the most important things. The primary color of the Audi was green. However, the refinement now is made with PWF foil in diamond black matt.

In addition, the discs were also toned between fifty-five and eighty-five percent. The front and back lights have five percent of tinting.

Additional changes are also offered – this time not only in terms of exterior foiling style, but also in terms of set of 11×23 inch matt powder coated side Mansory C5 rims with 315/25R23 tyres in combination with 15 mm front and 30 mm back track plates.

More importantly in my opinion here is the work that has been done on the engine. To be more précised it was optimized and now is able to deliver the astonishing 600 hp (441 kW) and 1,150 Nm (848 lb.-ft.) torque.

To sum up: a great tuning to be considered by many!

Source: Miranda Media

May 14, 2012

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