Automobiles Review – Page 902 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

BMW ///M Performance TwinPower Turbo Engine Six-Cylinder Diesel – N57S

BMW has recently announced their new Diesel M Performance Division powered by the all-new N57S tri-turbocharged engine. This is the most powerful diesel ever fitted in BMW models. It showcases the commitment of the manufacturer to the pment of ultra-sporty yet impressively efficient diesel power units.

The new N57S features a lot of innovative technologies. It is the first engine adopting tri-turbocharging, latest common rail injection system with maximum pressure of 2200 bars and red line at 5400RPM making it also the most revving diesel in the world. The result is the incredible 381PS (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque at just 2000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. In terms of efficiency, the N57S is astonishing – 6.3 liters per 100 km with emission of just 165 g/km CO2.

The new N57S needs a perfect gearbox – ZF 8-speed automatic transmission sending all that torque to the world’s most intelligent xDrive AWD system.

The 2 993 cc engine achieves an incredible output of 127.3HP (93.6 kW) per litre of displacement.

The tri-turbocharging system comprises two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo, which join forces precisely to deliver the amount of power required. This reduces the turbo-lag to minimum and gives sensational power at high revs.

Check out the gallery below to see details of the new N57S.

Source: BMW

March 23, 2012

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage [HD video]

Aston Martin has announced their new facelift version of V8 Vantage – both Coupe and Convertible models. The 2012 V8 Vantage has a lot of features coming from the sporty Vantage S.

The new V8 Vantage has an updated front bumper including a nice air splitter, a new modified side sills and different rear bumper having an integrated diffuser. However, the updates are not only for styling, but the handling is also improved. Aston Martin also took care about the brake system, which features bigger discs and calipers. Other improvement to comfort, handling and styling are the new wheel-tire sets, which are wider.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol delivering 426PS (313 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. Still, 7-speed Sportshift II is available as an option. It replaces the old 6-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The new V8 Vantage starts around $144 000 and the Vantage S is $170 500.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syv8BNAEVGE

Source: Aston Martin

March 23, 2012

Mean Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

Mean Green is the fastest hybrid truck in the world. However, it will attempt a new speed record in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph). The event will be held on April 27^th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. The truck will try to beat its own world speed records set only last year by ‘Mean Green’s driver, Boije Ovebrink.

The Volvo-built hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre – international speed standards*.

“Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” commented Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing.

“Mean Green’ is a prime example of Volvo’s technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world’s fastest hybrid truck utilising the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world – including London’s double-decker buses.”, he added.

Mean Grean features adapted hybrid driveline and chassis to meet requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted ‘Mean Green’ with a highly-tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.

“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said the driver – Boije Ovebrink,

“Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with an explosive force.” – he added.

Mean-Green - Volvo Hybrid Truck — Mean-Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

The powerful truck develops 2100HP (1544 kW) and 6779Nm (5000 lb-ft) of torque. From these massive powerl, just 200HP and 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) come from the electric motor.

Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.

Mean Green features modified versions of the following Volvo production components:

Volvo hybrid motor
Volvo hybrid battery
Volvo D16 diesel engine
Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission
Volvo VN cab and frame
Rear axle with 1.85:1 ratio

During its North American tour, Mean Green will also visit Truck World, in Toronto (April 19 to 21) and the Volvo Ocean Race when it reaches in Miami (May 17 to 20).

Source: Volvo

March 23, 2012

Pininfarina Cambiano named most beautiful concept car

If you have followed thoroughly this year’s edition of 2012 Geneva Motor Show, then you have probably seen already many beautiful cars. But have you pondered for a moment on which one appealed to you the most?

Well, if you still don’t have the answer, there has recently been made a poll, in which according to the public the most beautiful car to be seen in Geneva was the Pininfarina Cambiano Concept Car.

The competition was fierce, but nonetheless the concept vehicle has managed to gather most of the votes and gained the “the most beautiful concept of 2012 Geneva Motor Show” as well “the most beautiful concept car”.

In the poll took part other significant vehicles such as Italdesign Giugiaro Brivido, Infiniti Emerg-e, Bertone Nuccio, Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept, and other amazing vehicles that achieved a lot of success in Geneva.

With the Cambiano, Pininfarina proposes an electric traction luxury sport sedan, which is in addition elegant and sporting, refined and comfortable. It emphasizes a pure synthesis of forefront design and engineering research with optimal attention to environment friendliness.

The new concept car embodies the Pininfarina expertise in the field of styling, design and research in the field of sustainable mobility. Undoubtedly, this concept sets a new benchmark for environment-conscious luxury vehicles. Its main strong point is the electric traction, which translates into zero emissions in the urban cycle. In fact, this is the highest all-electric range currently available on the market. This plug-in electric sedan combines top performance, excellent utility and the comfort of a luxury car.

Source: Pininfarina

March 23, 2012

Vorsteiner V-309 Ferrari California

The most recent update from Vorsteiner is this beautiful Ferrari California. In particular Vorsteiner V-309 Ferrari California is no less than a true queen, showing its sparkling majesty on the streets of Taiwan, where this actual update was made.

What is more here, one of the Vorsteiner’s dealers there, has equipped the Ferrari with theses splendid Vorsteiner V-309 3-piece forged aluminum wheels.

The result is obvious and there is no question about the majestic stance which this vehicle has – now further enhanced thank to Vorsteiner.

Of course these wheels were custom made and ordered specifically to match the California. As you can see, the five split spoke face of the wheels is done in black. At the same time there is a contrast present, with lip is done in white.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 23, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler

The project named Kahn Jeep expands even further the renowned Wrangler. It embodies Afzal Kahn’s philosophy which is always to integrate together mechanical perfection and exterior beauty.

Now as a result of this philosophy, the British tuner is offering an outstanding Kahn Jeep. What was basically done on this Wrangler is to be completely transformed.

And with the exquisite abilities of Kahn we can expect nothing else but an excellent end product. The full conversion consists of restyled shape and thus unique new look.

It is equipped with the special Kahn RS wheels, along with bespoke perforated and quilted leather interiors.

What is featured here in this 2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler is a 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 facia clocks and LED driving lights and to finish it all off, the compulsory branded rear wheel cover.

Furthermore, other cutting edge technologies can be included as an option: for instance, a blank rear window sections and LED lights can be made available in bullet-proof glass; or there is also available a superior type of glass, more advanced than the sort of glass which was used to protect world statesmen.

Let’s go back to the wheels, which are always something unique in Kahn’s design language. They sit perfectly, on any vehicle, conveying the essence of the vehicle’s identity. Moreover, they are created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology. The so called Kahn RS wheels are available in 9 x 20 in silver or black and fit all original centre caps.

They carry simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, thus giving the Wrangler more elegance and innovation.

Source: Kahn Design

March 23, 2012

2012 Kahn Vesuvius Orange Range Rover

2012 Kahn Vesuvius Orange Range Rover Sport is the name of the latest tuning made by the exceptional Afzal Kahn. What you might don’t know here is that the Vesuvius is a style and concept originally developed by Kahn which has been copied by many since then. Now, the designer is coming up with new revamped 2012 model of this range rover sport Vesuvius.

It carries a range of upgrades which include improvements in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and gear ratios. Even more, the vehicle receives as well an upgraded audio and infotainment system with the new generation’s seven-inch touch screen which features the dual view technology and rear-seat entertainment with screens mounted in the front headrests.

Furthermore, there are also enhancements regarding the exterior, which is now fitted with Kahn LE exterior upgrade. It includes a wide track aerodynamic styling package with vented wide wheel arches and integrated LED daytime running lights, quad stainless steel exhaust system, liquid gold calipers, RS front grille with 3d mesh, grille insert in carbon fibre, exhaust side vents and Kahn branding.

Paint detailing includes: matt pearl grey door handles, Vesuvius orange side vents and a grille surround. What is more important here is the 3.0 liter SDV6 diesel engine, which now produces an improved 256hp (188 kW) at 4,000rpm with maximum torque of 600Nm(443 lb.-ft.) at 2,000rpm.

This engine utilizes a parallel sequential turbo charging system which enhances the throttle response with a maximum torque already available from only 2,000rpm. The 3.0 liter diesel delivers 500Nm (369 lb.-ft.) in only 500 milliseconds from idle. What this basically means in that it offers instantaneous access to 83 percent of maximum torque in the lower rev ranges.

Moreover, the engine is linked to the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic gearbox. The latter now offers smooth shifts and improved fuel economy. What is specifically interesting around the gearbox here is that it as brains. In general, this means that when it is in hot conditions it selects a lower gear to run the engine and air conditioning pumps faster to cool down the cabin quickly.

On the other hand, when operating inn cold conditions it runs the engine faster to reduce warm-up time and emissions. The 2012 Kahn Vesuvius Orange Range Rover Sport has also been equipped with the Drive Select rotary gear shift and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Factory options include: Electric glass sunroof, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors, colour satellite navigation, Harman Kardon surround sound iPod.

How about the interior of the vehicle: it is completed with the Kahn LE interior package. The latter consists of bespoke RS front and rear seats in diamond quilted perforated black leather with Vesuvius orange inserts, matching centre arm rest and door tops, carbon fibre interior facia trim, speedo and rev counter in red, diamond gear selector, Churchill time clock with Swarovski diamond bezel, Kahn illuminated sill plates and machined foot pedals.

Furthermore to be mentioned here is that this vehicle rides on 22” Kahn RS wheels finished in the color of customers choice and fitted all original centre caps. With this important addition, now the Vesuvius looks even more elegant and innovative.

Of course the Orange Range Rover is available in petrol and diesel models, both in right hand or left hand drive. The 2012 Kahn Vesuvius Orange Range Rover Sport is available for £73 875.

Source: Kahn Design

March 23, 2012

Fourth 2013 Nissan Altima Teaser

Nissan-Altima-teaser-thumb Yet another teaser from Nissan – thrilling. This time we get a verification that the upcoming Altima has doors… four of them (or two on one side). Then they say that they have an image as well, but it’s just a still shot from the video. What good is that?

The company’s marketing strategy really is an unorthodox one. First we had a teaser which was sort of uninformative, then there was a second one which was ok-ish. The third one started to feel banal and now this. For how long do we have to piece together all of that information. At the very least, we would have to wait for the New Your Auto show which is due in April. This Altima will be the fifth-generation from a family of mid-sized, sensible saloons. It better be good as the fuss about is seems tremendous.

Enjoy the video…I guess:

httpv://youtu.be/j9Eb-jiJcyk

Source: Nissan

March 23, 2012

Chevy Sonic Turbo Now With 6-speed Automatic

Good news for those who have always fancied the Cehvy Sonic Turbo but were never too keen about the idea of a stick-shift. The Ecotec 1.4L Sonic will now be available also with an automatic.

“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”

Yes, no sacrifice in terms of power, but a skillful person behind the wheel of a manual Sonic Turbo can get from off the line, to 62mph in 7.8 seconds whereas the automatic will make that run for “about” 8.0 and there’s nothing you can do about it. Still, it’s hardly end of the world this issue.

Here’s the funny thing however – most companies nowadays claim that their automatic transmissions return better mpg than manuals even. This is not the story here. The 6-speed automatic is said to deliver an EPA-estimated economy of 37 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The manual fares a little bit better than that: 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg urban.

Nevertheless, all is a small price to pay for the benefits of an automatic gearbox – convenience and comfort.

2012 Hydra-Matic 6T40 (MH8) transmission unit

Source: Chevrolet

March 23, 2012

Nissan GT-R – The Hulk hits 350 km/h [HD video]

Nissan GT-R is one of the best drag racing vehicles currently available on the market. It’s time attack qualities are also astonishing, but almost nothing can compete versus a tuned GT-R. Here, we have one of the fastest GT-Rs in the world – The Hulk. It is a creation of the United Kingdom’s tuning company Severn Valley Motorsport.

The Hulk has completely rebuilt engine with more than 1250HP (932 kW) and still it is a street legal car. The displacement of the twin-turbocharged V6 growth to 4.2 liters. It also gets two enormous GTX GT35 Garrett turbochargers, Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler, 1600 ID Injectors and many more upgrades.

The gearbox is also different as well as the chassis, the electronics, the exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit, a set of new wheels and tires and last, but not least – restyled interior.

You can check all upgrades in the list below, but until then see how easy the Hulk hits over 350 km/h (218 mph). The data was recorded by GPS data acquisition system VBOX by Racelogic, which is completely precise.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6JHAAyZiY

Nissan GT-R - The Hulk — Nissan GT-R – The Hulk

Engine

SVM HULK Spec Forged Blueprinted Unit 4.2L
92.4 Billet Greddy Crankshaft assembly & boost logic Crank damper/ rotating mass dynamically balanced
98mm Darton modular Integrated deck system (wet liners)
SVM specification longer Carrillo connecting rods
SVM Custom CP Comp Pistons & Higher Quality wrist pins & ARP bolts
ARP L19 Head Extra high Strength Bolts
Ferrera Valve Package with larger inlet and exhaust valves and titanium retainers
Tomie 280 Profile cams with 11.3 lift
CNC 5 angled valve pockets and CNC Balanced Porting
Ported and Matched Inlet Manifolds
GTC Billet winged engine sump
HKS 45ml colder spark plugs
Okada plasma Direct coil packs

Induction

Large Greddy Throttle housings (awaiting first delivery from Greddy)
Greddy modified steel manifolds/modified with v bands couplings & SVM support system
GTX GT35 Garrett Turbo Chargers with ball bearing core assemblies & V Band Fitment
Tial 44mm external waste gates V Band Fitment
Custom 80mm down pipes Zercoated
80mm hard pipe kit with SVM Green pipe couplers and murray hose clamps
80mm MAF pies with HPX MAF sensors
HKS Blow off Valves
GTC 102mm Titanium Exhaust system with 102mm GTC Y pipe fully resonated
KN High flow air filter system with ram pipes & 90mm intakes

Cooling

Radec Full race front mounted Intercooler incorporating Martons Light Weight Aerospace technology (only one of two ever made for an R35 GTR)
Radtec high capacity engine and gearbox radiators housed into bumper
Radtec alloy power steering reservoir
Radtec water high pressure header tank and combi cam breathers with braided lines
Radtec Race Spec radiator
Radtec central block breather catch tank
GTC water hoses and ECU Rad program
65 deg thermostat and housing

Fueling

1600 ID Injectors High flow injectors
Billet 12mm fuel rails with twin Dash 8 fuel lines
Triple 1200bhp SVM Designed fuel pump system with swirl pot
Fuel lab fuel regulator with braided lines

Engine Detailing

Mines carbon engine cover
Carbon battery and brake servo cover
Titek carbon cooling panel
Hulk imperial pearlescent colour coded 1200bhp engine with specialist detailing
Colour Coding of various parts

Transmission

Albins 1st to 6th Gear set kit Uprated & High Strength
GTC 14 plate clutch system
Upgraded 4wd Gearlock system
Uprated Diff’s
SVM gearbox cooler kit with additional fan and thermal control/motul pump and braided lines
GTC Billet gearbox high capacity oil pan
SVM synthetic 13lts duel clutch oil
Shell helix racing oils

Chassis

KW coil overs Variant 3
KW club sport suspension with alloy top mountings
Eibach billet spacer pack with titanium wheel nuts
Eibach front and rear “hollow” light weight anti roll bars
GTC rose jointed top arms
400mm Top Secret Big Brake conversion front and rear (This is only used for Road and track use not Drag)

Electronics

45psi digital boost gauge
HKS AFR and knock meters with twin additional oxygen sensors
COBB ap with
GTC steering wheel maps race and road fuels
COBB ap nis 06 upgrade with launch control
Willhall Racing shift light
All mapping by Ben linnley GTC (2 fuel maps: Road 99 ron Race fuel 120 ron)

Exterior

Complete inside out re-spray in metallic imperial green pearlescent, eleven coat system & sponsors decals
Top racing carbon racing front bumper (part painted)
GTC Carbon bonnet (part painted) gold heat protection
Top Secret carbon gas bonnet lifts
Top Secret Front Towing eye for Track use.
Aeromotion’s S2 Active split wing
WALD Rear carbon diffusers
WALD side skirts (painted black and green))
WALD rear arch extensions (painted black)
GTC carbon boot lid
GTC Carbon Race mirrors mounted on pillars
Carbon exhaust surrounds
Carbon/Black wrapped roof
MCR front and rear side markers
L.E.D front and rear GTR badges
L.E.D angle eye day light running lights
LSD doors
Privacy Glass

Wheels & Tyres

3 sets of wheels and tyres – show/road/track

Show

22″ i forged carbon coated show wheels/ green pin stripe / bar code graphics
22″ Pirelli Tyre package. R 295/25/22 F 265/30/22

Road/Track

20″ Volks Racing light weight wheels Toyo R888 315/30/20 tyres

Track

18″ Rota drag wheels with hossier non expanding drag tyres

Interior

Cobra front carbon ultra light race seats / technology foam /alcantara fabrics & Custom Logo’s
6 point Roll Cage Custom built to SVM Spec with removable bars
TAKATA 4 point race harnesses
Full carbon interior package ( 12 piece kit) inc Carbon rear speaker shelf

Source: 12starstudios via Youtube

March 22, 2012

Ferrari 599XX Evolution at Suzuka [HD video]

Ferrari World has released a nice video presenting the 599XX Evo, which hits Suzuka race track in Japan. The model is strictly reserved for Ferrari Corse Clienti, who participate in the track-based research and development program. In other words, if you are not a race client, you can’t drive such machine.

The 599XX boasts active aerodynamics package, redesigned rear diffuser and special compound Pirelli tires for insane traction at the race track. The engine has 750PS (552 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, which is just enough to move the Earth. However, this is an increase of 20PS thanks to a new exhaust system redirected to the sides of the vehicle.

Last, but not least, the 599XX Evo is 35 kg (77 lbs) lighter and has a shorter final gear ratio for improved acceleration.

Check out the full HD video below, where you’ll see nice moments from the race track and the amazing sound of the cars.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY1bNzRrJi4&feature=plcp&context=C4fc8fafVDvjVQa1PpcFPOLRKWw7zxgHVuqv2MHotnxEI3Ou_0maA%3D

Source: Ferrariworld via Youtube

March 22, 2012

Pur Wheels on a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640

Here’s a Lamborghini Mercielago LP 640. Beautiful isn’t it? Wait! Are you looking at the wheels? Because if you are, PUR Wheels have done their job properly – captivating onlookers with their rose gold concept monoblock wheels titled ’6IX’. Yes, concept wheels are a thing and we are not sure if this is coming out or is it just showing off.

Either way, one has to admit that they look stunning on this dying breed of V12 hypercars. Here, on this rather static gallery, their five, dobule-spoked design can be seen in it’s full glory. Alternatively, in motion, one can imagine that the Lambo’s 640 hp will render them into blurry swirls of golden magnificence. The body/wheel contrast of the whole thing, can only help the appeal. It’s as if blackberry jam is being smeared on honey crusted Pop-Tarts. Or am I simply hungry?

Pur 6IXL wheels on a Lamborghini Murcielago LP-630 — Pur 6IXL wheels on a Lamborghini Murcielago LP 630

Source: PUR Wheels

March 22, 2012

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