Automobiles Review – Page 943 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

Nissan has announced the GT3 version of GT-R. The new model meets all FIA GT3 regulations. It is produced by Nissan, NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), which have been jointly developing the car during 2011.

The car is powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 530PS (390 kW) and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car weighs just 1300 kg (2 866 lbs).

The racing GT-R features everything that a professional driver needs – perfect aerodynamics consisting of new carbon fiber package; stripped interior; new racing suspension and a set of new rims and tires.

It is interesting that the car will actually hit the global market at “decent” price of 298 000 Euro (which is more than $383 000).

The car will appear alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship. To celebrate the launch, JRM will simultaneously run the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 as an official Nissan Europe entry in the Dubai 24-hour race, where it will be driven by four Nissan Champions from 2011: Michael Krumm, Alex Buncombe, Tom Kimber-Smith and Franck Malliaux.

Source: Nissan

January 23, 2012

B&B Audi A7

Audi has been offering the A7 for more than two years and it doesn’t have too many tuning packages, so B&B Automobiltechnik decided to give it a little more individuality.

The exterior package doesn’t restyle the car too much. It includes a new front fender vents, performance braking system with red calipers, a set of huge 21” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and for perfect stance – lowered suspension by 30 mm.

The real deal is the performance package for the mighty 3.0 liter V6 TFSI model boosted to 385PS (283 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft). There is also a Stage II giving another 23 PS and 30Nm – overall power of 408PS (300 kW) and 520Nm (383 lb-ft). The result is thanks to a high-flow air filter, new intercooler and an ECU re-map. If you need more power, the 3.0 TFSI can become brutal – 425PS (313 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft), which is Stage III.

The 3.0 liter TDI can also be upgraded to 325PS (239 kW) and a staggering torque of 640Nm (472 lb-ft).

Source: B&B and Autoblog.nl

January 23, 2012

Nissan LEAF Severe Weather Test [VIDEO]

We have all been there: it’s minus 15 Celsius outside, snow chunks fall down on you like there’s no tomorrow and you can’t call anyone because your cellphone is dead. It wasn’t dead 3 minutes ago. In fact it had 2 lines of battery on the screen but now it’s over because the reality of the situation is that weather does affect the efficiency of Li-ion batteries. It’s the same frightening story with electric vehicles – what if I run out of juice in the middle of nowhere? Well Nissan are painfully aware of this issue and have gathered members of the media and the public in northern Japan to demonstrate how the LEAF tackles cold weather with a few tricks up it’s sleeve.

At 230 meters above see level in Shibetsu, Hokkaido the thermometers outside showed minus 9 Celsius. The LEAF was tested out on the snow covered tracks for a while and the battery temperature never dropped bellow 5 Celsius. Under more extreme conditions, like in Sweden or Norway, the LEAF‘s battery packs can be fitted with a warming system to preserve maximum capacity. Chief Vehicle Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota shared some tips with the 350 LEAF owners on how to get the most out of their EV’s. For example, pre-warming the cabin before taking a drive will greatly benefit range and efficiency.

Motoring journalists however, seemed more interested on how the LEAF would handle on slippery surfaces such as the powdery track in Shibetsu. A pylon slalom was set up and for what might be a surprise for some, the LEAF coped pretty well. The car’s Vehicle Dynamic Control, which monitors driver input and vehicle function is sure to have helped. Also, because of the center of gravity, which is really low (the battery packs are under the cabin), one might argue that on that surface, the LEAF handled better than any other FF or FR car out there.

Journalist and race driver Takayuki Kinoshita says LEAF proved it’s the one for the road:
“I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future. If EVs can only be usable in certain limited conditions, they will not grow. But I was highly impressed by the key message here, that the LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”

Definitely a point for Nissan there.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGu0cfCuTM&feature=player_embedded

January 23, 2012

VOGTLAND Air Suspension Tweak

VOGTLAND is a company with a long lasting experience in suspension tuning and coil-spring production. Now they have a new product exclusively for vehicles with air-suspension chassis as standard. It is an electric module that basically overrides the function of whatever the air suspension and the user has a more viable access to vehicle height control.

The benefits that can come out of this are in favor of the dynamics. Suspensions can be lowered by up to 40 millimeters and as we all know the lower the center of gravity, the better the handling. Besides it just looks more cooler the lower it gets.

Installation depends on model of the vehicle but it is generally easy and seamless. Just pluging in all the connecting cables to the steering electronics of the on-board power supply will do the trick. The module is 100% compatible with standard equipment so any other systems that the chassis might have, can function without a problem. Deinstallation is just as easy, taking up only minutes of the customer’s time. Various cars, SUV’s and such, made by Audi, Bentley, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen can be fitted with VOGTLAND‘s module in question, For more information you can check out their website at: www.vogtland.com

Source: Vogtland

January 23, 2012

A Mossy Oak Ram Truck

With numerous cabin sizes and a variety of engine choices, the Ram Ttruck has a lot to offer in terms of versatility and character. But those who want that extra something on top or they just fancy a hunt should turn to Mossy Oak Graphics. It is a company that has formed a close collaboration with Ram (separate from Dodge) with the end result being the Ram 1500 Mossy Oak® Edition – a camouflaged, army green, four-door pickup truck.

Ironically, the most striking feature are the leafy, muddy patterns that decorate the truck’s body. It is a special sort vinyl (3M™ premium cast vinyl) that is said to be resistant to shrinking, cracking, fading, shredding and peeling. Installation is also made easy because of the pressure-sensitive adhesive technology and air-release channels used upon application. That way, one can continuously readjust the vinyls until there are no bubbles or imperfections.

Seat covers that also have a foresty feel also come with the Oak Edition. Made from a polycotton drill weave fabric, they will be easy to slip on or off and to wash them when needed. Most impotently they are theft proof because nobody will even notice those seats… in the forest.

Chrysler LLC, which makes the Ram, want to keep it competitive so they have gone with a couple of developments for the latest model, including a new four-door cab style offering, new suspension, a six-speed manual with every diesel engine, and the thing called the Rambox – a new storage system that allows secure storage inside the truck’s bed walls. Everything about the Ram feels right about off-road hunting except the fact that no matter how good of a camouflage it has, one can never conceal the clutter of a diesel or the rumble of a HEMI.

Source: Chrysler LLC

January 23, 2012

Wald Porsche Panamera S Black Bison

Wald International has announced their Black Bison package for Porsche Panamera. The project is based on the S model.

It is powered by a 4.8 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 400PS (294 kW) at 6500RPM and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) at 3500RPM.

The Black Bison package consists of a new front bumper, modified side skirts and new fenders. There is also a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

The tinted front and rear lights are also part from the package.

The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension and nice big alloy wheels finished in dark paint fitted with performance tires.

Source: Wald International

January 23, 2012

Alcon CCX SuperKit for Nissan R35 GT-R

Alcon has announced the Carbon Ceramic Xtreme (CCX) Superkit for Nissan R35 GT-R. The specially created brake system includes lightweight brake technology and is half the mass of a similarly sized iron disc. It also boasts significant improvements in vehicle performance and agility and everything is track tested by Alcon’s in-house R&D department.

The results are more than satisfying. The new brake system is fade free and has excellent initial bite from hot or cold. It provides extreme stopping power and features low wear rates of both discs and pads.

The CCX discs are available in numerous sizes to suit customers’ individual requirements, while a number of standard supercar kits are in development and one is now ready for sale.

The Nissan kit fits perfectly to the original 20” wheel rims. It also comes complete with all hardware that you need for installation.

This is the ultimate fast road/track conversion kit for the stunning R35 GT-R and features:

•   400mm front ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   385mm rear ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   New 6-piston, monobloc billet front calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads
•   6-piston, monobloc billet rear calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads

Source: Alcon

January 23, 2012

2012 Volkswagen up! 5-door

Volkswagen has announced the five-door up! model, which is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year. The small city car has a 2.42 m long wheelbase that makes for impressive interior space, a capacious 251-litre boot, an efficient three-cylinder engine, new-to-the-class safety features and an innovative infotainment system.

The safety features front and side airbags, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP on all models, except the entry level Take up!

The up! has received a five-star rating and the Advanced Award from Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme. It is the first vehicle in this class to receive these awards.

The up! was named Car of the Year for 2012, and has also been named TopGear magazine’s Small Car of the Year.

The prices are not confirmed yet, but the three-door version is very competitive at just £7 995 OTR.

Source: Volkswagen

January 23, 2012

Lamborghini opens new dealership Lamborghini Paris Ouest

The brand Lamborghini has just opened a new dealership in Paris, France. The name of the showroom is Lamborghini Paris Ouest. In the event was marked with the presence of Stephan Winkelmann, who is the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. The showroom is situated on 15 Boulevard Gouvion, Saint Cyr and is managed by Lamborghini’s partner Neubauer Group, which is famous with their professional work in Parisian luxury car market. In the new dealership can be seen the entire product range including the two series models – the Gallardo and the Aventador LP 700-4. The latter won 29 international awards for its unique design and innovative technology, which make it the new reference point in the super sports car world. The Aventador has achieved both public and commercial success. In fact, all cars which are going to be manufactured in the first 18 months’ production are already sold. On the other hand the Gallardo is the latest model from Lamborghini and it was presented firstly at the 2011 Super Trofeo Stradale. Moreover, the Gallardo product line-up is the most successful range in the company’s entire history. Given these facts, it is no surprise that since 2003 nearly 12,000 Gallardos have been sold.

The success for Lamborghini in the year if 2011 was major: it sold 1,602 cars (+ 23%). The lrgest market was the United States, followed by China. With the opening of the Lamborghini Paris Ouest, the company plans to improve and strengthen the sales network in France and the world. Moreover this new dealership increases the points of sales and aftersalec in France to five: two in Paris, Mulhouse and Lyon, and one in Montecarlo. In fact, worldwide Lamborghini has more than 120 showrooms in 45 countries.

Source: Lamborghini

January 23, 2012

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Sold for $600 000

The fastest Corvette convertible – the first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition was sold on Saturday for the amount of $600,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. The model is going to be at dealerships in the U.S. this summer, and is designed to blend the elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models. In this auction was sold the car with The Vehicle Identification Number ending in 001. In details, it has the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine taken from the Corvette Z06. More importantly this is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible, with the astonishing 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm). On the other hand, like the Z06, the model is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, which puts an emphasis on the joy of driving.

2013 Corvette 427 Convertible at Barrett-Jackson

It is interesting information that the Corvettes made between 1966 and 1969, powered by the 427-cubic-inch are some of the most-coveted and collectable ones ever produced. In this auction, Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports have collaborated with four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick, to raise a total of $700,000 for the AARP’s Drive to End Hunger food relief program. This special cause, called Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. The aim is to raise money and build awareness on the Americans who face the threat of hunger. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to actively participate in the cause.

Source: Chevrolet

January 23, 2012

BMW Group Design with six 2011 GOOD DESIGN Awards

The prestigious 2011 GOOD DESIGN Award was given to six BMW models. The success was achieved by the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW ActiveE, and the two motorcycle models BMW K 1600 GT/GTL and BMW G650 GS. In the field of product design, the afore mentioned award is the most celebrated international accolade. This year once again it honors the excellent quality of BMW Group Design.

This is one of the world’s most oldest and esteemed design prizes, and it was founded in 1950 in Chicago. The aim of the award is to recognize the exceptionally innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that go beyond the regular horizons of everyday product design. The criterion of the award is the combination of functionality and aesthetics in terms of originality and ecological aspects.

The first award was given to the exceptional BMW 6 Series Convertible. The model includes a stretched bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline with a classic soft-top roof featuring a distinctive “fin” design. The dynamic handling properties reflect, as you can see, on the car’s powerfully contoured surfaces and forward-surging lines.

Aesthetes who delight in luxury and forward-looking technology need look no further than the On the other hand the new BMW 6 Series Coupe brings to reality the unique combination of luxurious design, new technologies, dynamic athleticism and exclusive travel comfort. For example there re the innovative adaptive LED Headlights, which draw on the hallmark on round headlight look in a new rendition of BMW’s iconic design cues.

Next prize went for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The model cuts a compelling figure with its athletic demeanor and M-specific interior design. Moreover it has now an optimized track width of the front and rear axles, as well as an expansive front apron and powerfully flared wheel arches. Thus the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe now has an unmistakable character. The two sets of chrome-plated twin tailpipes, situated at the outer edges of the rear, make for the symmetrical look familiar from M styling.

The forth vehicle that was awarded with the prestigious prize is the BMW ActiveE. This all-electric-drive BMW 1 Series Coupe is the electric vehicle offered by BMW Group. The intelligent configuration of the drive components and energy storage systems within the vehicle create the ideal prerequisites for customary BMW driving dynamics and extended functionality. Moreover this model offers four full seats, boot space of around 200 litres, rear-wheel drive and a range of approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) in day-to-day operation.

BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL as part of BMW Motorrad were awarded too. Both motorcycles have undeniably self-assured, imposing and distinctive appearance. With its lean and wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorbike evokes an impression of lightness and adventurousness. Its characteristic enduro design and its colour concept are fully in keeping with the BMW GS family style and round off the bike’s overall sporty impression.

This is not the first time that BMW Group Design won the coveted design award. In fact, in the past it won it several times. Last year for example, the award winners were the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the MINI Countryman, the BMW S 1000 RR and the BMW Concept 6. Moreover in 2008 the competition won the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the MINI Cooper S Clubman and four BMW motorcycles. Going back to 2007, we find the award winners: BMW X5, the BMW 3 Series Coupe, the new MINI and three motorcycle models.

Source: BMW

January 23, 2012

2013 Lexus LX 570 – Price $80 930

Lexus has just announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2013 Lexus LX 570 luxury utility vehicle. The vehicle will be at dealerships in February wearing its bold new styling, interior enhancements, cutting-edge technology and remarkable off-road capabilities. Speaking straight to the point, the MSRP price tag of the LX 570 is $80 930. This is means that there is an increase of the price with 1.9 percent or $1 475. In addition the MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee, which is $875.

There are a lot improved features in the new LX 570. Thank to them the model now offers the exciting combination of luxury, on-road smoothness and off-road performance. To go further into details, the 2013 Lexus LX 570 gets a new enhanced look at both the front and rear. The refreshment is due to the new Lexus spindle grille. In addition there have been added new LED daytime running lights, which also complement an updated headlamp design with new larger fog lamp bezels. Next, the taillamps have been also updated; while the rear license plate surround gets a revised look and the tow hitch cover is more integrated. Both front and rear bumpers are upgraded with the rear bumper protector having a chrome accent. The turn signals have been integrated into the side mirrors, and wider bodyside moldings sport a new look.

Furthermore the LX 570 is powered by 5.7-liter V8 engine, which has four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Therefore it is not a surprise that this astonishing engine produces 383 horsepower (282 kW) and 403 lb.-ft (297 Nm) of torque and moreover handles demanding tasks with remarkable smoothness.

More updates are made on the Crawl Control feature which now provides optimum throttle and brake modulation when maneuvering over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. There is also the new Turn Assist feature, which tightens turning circles by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. The new Multi-terrain Select also allows the driver to optimize performance by choosing from five types of terrain settings.

The interior was improved by the new multimedia system. This system will be available with the next generation Lexus Enform®. The interior also got a new color TFT multi-information display, improved front seat cooling, and easy access for the driver’s seat, a power outlet for the middle row and unique trims and accents. The kuxury vehicle also has a standard navigation system with a high-resolution screen, which supports an enhanced map display, with audio, climate and other vehicle information. Moreover, the navigation system also has access to the next-generation Lexus Enform® Application Suite. The latter leverages customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. For example, users can conduct local searches through Bing, utilize voice-enabled apps, purchase movie tickets or surf the internet.

In addition Lexus offer the model in an optional Luxury Package priced at $1 510. In details it includes a cool box for beverages, semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery with new contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, new mahogany wood-trimmed door switch plates, a rear-center armrest cover, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats (outboard position only) and Smart Access card key. In combination with the Luxury Package, the new LX 570 features an available dual screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones and three-prong electrical outlet, for the amount of $2 005. This unique system allows two video sources to be watched at the same time.

Source: Lexus

January 23, 2012

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