Automobiles Review – Page 958 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

All-New Global Vehicle by Ford at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Ford is going to present an all-new vehicle at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. The vehicle is planned to be introduced in India and other global markets in the near future. The Ford’s high-tech and interactive stand will cover roughly 1,400 square meters, where the planned highlights will be presented by the company. For instance such include comprehensive safety and quality displays, a 3D theater, live shows and a crowd-sourced, interactive driving game.

The exclusive news is that the new vehicle will be the latest One Ford global product, which is designed to help expand Ford’s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing auto markets, including India. The expansion in the country will include eight more products to be introduced in the future.

More to be seen at Ford Stand is the Ford Figo, the All-New Fiesta, the Ford Classic and the Ford Endeavour. To go further into details Figo has already sold around 130,000 units since its launch in March 2010. Although it has only been in the Indian market for not so long time, it has become the country’s most awarded car ever. Moreover it has garnered industry-wide recognition as a great value-for-money vehicle, which is exported to close to 30 international markets. Next, the Ford Classic, has made an impressive footprint on the Indian market by winning more than 120,000 customers, thank to its on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency. On the other hand there is Ford Endeavour, which is a popular all-action SUV. At last the All-New Ford Fiesta four-door sedan will also be on display. Additional detail here is that the car soon will be available with the new best-in-class PowerShift automatic transmission. Compared to the traditional four-speed automatics, the PowerShift transmission can improve fuel economy by up to 9 percent.

All-New Global Vehicle by Ford at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012

In addition if you happen to be at the Ford stand, you will experience the advantage of the latest technology. A major highlight will be allowing the audience to take virtual control of a vehicle on a large LED screen. With the help of a motion-sensing camera, the crowd will collectively control the vehicle as it rolls along the road, and unlock information at each bend. The display will prompt the crowd to lean left and right during a short drive as it shows highlights of the route. Furthermore Ford also will have a Figo Theatre which will allow customers to sit inside the car and watch a film played on a plasma television in front of the windscreen. The video of course will explain the Figo’s Smart technologies. Another theatre – this time in 3D will present the improvements in technology, design and development of Ford’s vehicles. Here visitors will navigate a virtual car interior under the guidance of a Ford engineer. In addition a Quality Touch Table will provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles. On the other hand there is a Green Touch Table as well. It will demonstrate the long-term value of Ford’s green technology, delivering on Ford’s commitment to provide customers with low total cost of ownership. Next a Fiesta body shell will also be on display, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the engineering features that make the Fiesta safe and secure on the road. And to make the best out of their experience, guests will be entertained by a local magician who will perform on the stand.

Auto Expo 2012 runs from January 7-11 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Source: FORD

December 19, 2011

STILLEN R35 Nissan GT-R Scale Slot Car

Christmas is just in one week and if you still haven’t bought anything for your beloved ones or if you consider making yourself a gift, we have a good idea for you. This present is perfect for the slot car enthusiasts and will add to their vehicle fleet.

If you still haven’t got it, we are talking about the Scalextric recreation of STILLEN R35 Nissan GT-R into a slot car. The fans of the Slot Car Racing, undeniably have heard the name Scalextric. But for those who are unfamiliar, they specialize in bringing realistic vehicles to the slot car world! The great news for this year is that they have recreated the STILLEN R35 Nissan GT-R. Moreover it is done in striking details in a 1:32 scale. Another good feature about this “mini” car is that it can be modified just like the real one. For example you can change anything starting with the tires or gears, or you can even swap the motor! Check out the picture below and you will definitely see for yourself how great this slot car is!

This little STILLEN R35 Nissan GT-R will make the excellent present under the Christmas tree! And we are sure that you have already imagined it beautifully packed under the lights of the holiday tree!

And for those who are more interested, additionally STILLEN also did the STILLEN Ford GT a couple of years ago. Check it out:

Source: Stillen

December 19, 2011

Startech Range Rover Evoque 3-door

Startech has announced the tuned version of Range Rover Evoque 3-door, which is turned from nice to amazing SUV. The vehicle was exhibited at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show.

Startech Evoque 3-door comes with complete aggressive body, a set of huge 9J x 21” forged alloy wheels wrapped in 265/40 R 21 Continental tires. The stance is further improved by a lowered suspension by 35 mm. Other touches to the exterior include a sports exhaust system and roof-mounted rear spoiler. All body components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The interior is also revised by installing an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals. There are also a new foot rest and a gear shifter. The finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color are used for the seats and door panels. The trim is from wood or carbon-fiber also in any desired color and with a wide variety of surface finishes.

The mighty 2.0 liter SI4 turbocharged petrol has received a performance package, but there is not data about the new power. Originally, it produces 240PS (177 kW).

Source: Startech

December 19, 2011

2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal

The luxurious german car tuning company Wheelsandmore has prepared for us today an incredible tuning of Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal. The aim of the company is to deliver more style with the fine and exclusive tuning upgrades, starting with the enhancement of the whole 650 hp (478 kW), which seem to be not enough. This was made through the installation of a handcrafted exhaustsystem with sports catalysts and remote-able flaps. Moreover they were adapted to remapped ecu software and a new pulley, thus delivering the amazing 727 hp (535 kW) and 950 Nm (701 lb-ft). We are speaking about real beast here, aren’t we!

But in order to handle these grandorous changes in the power, Wheelsandmore has required a revision in suspension. This was made possible thank to the specialists of KW, who have dedeveloped a compression and rebounded the adjustable and full race approved system for this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722.

2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal

Of course they have considered the optimization of the weight of the vehicle. For example we have here fully handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels of the type 6Sporz² which undeniably make a significant change and have a huge effect over the improvement of the acceleration. Furthermore those high-end rims are the perfect fill for the carbon fiber body. Specifically their size is 9.0 x20″ at the front and 11.5 x 20 inches at the rear axle. In this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722 there is nothing but high quality and standard. Another proof for this fact is the 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Sportmaxx tires from Dunlop.

At last the nappaleather, carbon parts, the new steering wheel, the stepped alcantara and the detailed red stitchings are making the Mercedes Mc Laren SLR 722 even more unique and are adding to its individual appearance! Just see the gallery below!

Source: Wheelsandmore

December 16, 2011

Wheelsandmore Revitalise a Hypercar God – The McLaren SLR 707

Rarely someone expresses discontent with the iconic Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It is true however that besides being exotic it is also old. 10 years old in fact. So now the already acclaimed German tuning house Wheelsandmore have left various AMG’s behind and went the extra mile to revise the ageing hypercar. Welcome to the SLR Wheelsandmore 7o7 edition.

Even at the start was well aware that the standard car has a 626 hp monstrosity under the bonnet which churns out mesmerizing 780 Nm of torque. They believe that this power can now be utilized more efficiently by completely upgrading the suspension set up. And so, with the help of the suspension whizzes at KW Automotive, this is exactly what they have done. We are talking about a compression and rebound adjustable, racing grade aluminium coilover and aluminium damper housings. And, because of the new suspension kit and the SLR’s now lower centre of gravity, Wheelsandmore have seized the opportunity to increase power output to 707 hp (hence the edition 7o7) and 970 Nm of torque. That new figure is courtesy to the company’s performance pack which upgrades the ECU and uses a larger pulley for the compressor. The end result is a time of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (100km/h) – Impressive!

Wheelsandmore Mercedes SLR 7o7 Edition (2011)

Naturally, to stand up to its name, Wheelsandmore, have introduced lightweight, handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels – 9,5×20″ for the front axle with 255/30/20 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires on them and 11,5×20″ ones at the back again fitted with 305/25/20 Dunlops. The red line on the rim edges is a fine touch if I may say.

Inside changes are sublime, modest and tasteful: a grippy AMG Performance steering wheel a center console garnished with carbon fibre patches and and entirely carbon shift paddles.

Source: Wheelsandmore

December 16, 2011

Audi Does It Again – 3.0 L TFSI V6 on Ward’s Top Ten List

This just in: Audi’s 3.0 L TFSI supercharged V6 engine appears on Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2012 list for a third consecutive year. WardsAuto is an automotive technology watchdog which has been gathering data and conducting analysis of engineering advancements for 85 years now.

For Ward’s 2012 engine list, 36 “contenders” were probed for their power, technology, fuel economy, noise, vibration and harshness. Additional criteria required each engine to be in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012 and that vehicle that carries the engine should not exceed 55 000$.

“With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we’re pleased to have a list that is rich in technology,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World (the company’s monthly magazine). “Plus, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive.”

The TFSI provides 310 units of horsepower and the respectable 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Because of the all-aluminium structure of the engine and four vane Roots-style supercharger, the TFSI is able to impersonate V8 behaviour while remaining an economical V6.

In 2012, you’ll be able to find the 3.0 TFSI in cars such as the 2012 A6 sedan, 2012 Audi A7, the Audi Q7 and also in the S4 and S5.

Source: Audi

December 16, 2011

MINI To Unveil Roadster On NAIAS

The annual North American International Auto Show is an event of unparalleled importance. Set to be open to the public on the 14^th of January 2012, it will act as the New Year’s Day for the automotive industry. More than 150 companies will showcase their products, innovations and plans for the whole year ahead. 5000 media representatives will provide extensive coverage while around 750 000 members of the public will have the pleasure to moon about amidst lush automotive pieces of art.

And now MINI has announced that on that event, they will try to fascinate the American public with the new MINI Cooper Roadster – a car that relies on a complex chassis technology to stay on the road and yet implements a classic, manually operated soft-top all in the name of pure fun. Although it is the sixth addition to the company’s line up it still bares the MINI hallmark universal features such as large circular headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, side indicator surrounds and vertically stacked rear lights. That of course does not make it a characterless clone of the previous ones. The low-slung silhouette, smooth curves and elegantly extended (separate from the cabin) boot give this urban 2-seater a fresh and playful image.

In terms of dimensions, the basic Roadster model largely mimics its MINI Convertible counterpart with an exterior length of 3,728 mm (wheelbase of 2,467 mm) and a width which stands at 1,683 mm. It is however lower than the Convertible by more than 20 mm thus the fore mentioned low-slung sporty silhouette.

In the US three engine line-ups will be available that go in three different trim levels of the Roadster:

The standard MINI Roadster has a 121 hp, 1.6 litre engine with a fully variable valve control system – based on the VALVETRONIC technology which can be seen in BMW engines.

The MINI Cooper S Roadster houses again the VALVETRONIC 1.6 litre engine but thanks to BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology and direct fuel injection the power is now up to 181 hp. The Cooper S is claimed to be one of the most successful embodiment of power and economy with just 6.0 litres of petrol consumption on a 100km run.

The top of the range MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is powered by a hardcore version of the 1.6 TwinPower Turbo found in the MINI Cooper S. It is a 208 hp hornet that delivers 192 lb-ft (260 Newton metres) of torque at 1,850 rpm. You’ll need no more than 6.3 seconds to reach 100km/h (62 mph) from a standsill while top speed stands at 237 km/h (147 mph). All models come as standard with a six speed manual gearbox that channels the revvy power of the engines to the front wheels. Optionally, the Cooper Roadster and Cooper S Roadster can be ordered with a six speed automatic.

Agile handling and a timely response, emblematic for the MINI brand, come from the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and the active rear spoiler, which extends automatically when the car reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).

The company is counting on the Roadster range to be a fine compliment to the other five, already successful MINI, MINI Countryman, MINI Clubman, MINI convertible and the MINI Coupé.

Source: MINI

December 16, 2011

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit Price – £44 795

Jeep has announced the new 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit model. It delivers new levels of luxury and refinement in the premium sport-utility vehicle sector at decent price – £44 795.

The model features Rugged Brown paint scheme, with a unique fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels. The exterior also boasts huge 20” polished alloy wheels. The special model is based on the current top-of-the-range Overland and adds even more refinement and equipment.

It is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 CRD diesel engine with 237BHP (177 kW) at 4000RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) between 1800 and 2800RPM. This is up to 10% more power and 8% more torque than the engine, it replaces.

The new CRD achieves 8.3 litres per 100 km (34 mpg) on combined cycle and 218 g/km of CO2.

The interior comes with real wood and distinctive polished trim. Wood trim is also used on the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. There are also saddle-coloured Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with black and chestnut accent binding.

The standard equipment also features he Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.

Source: Jeep

December 16, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Caravelle Edition 25 Price – £44 995

Volkswagen has announced a stylish special edition model for its luxury, executive Caravelle passenger carrying van – Edition 25. It will be available in the UK as just 225 units will be produced. The van is offered all exclusively finished in Candy White, or optional Reflex Silver metallic paint.

The exterior boasts a new front bumper with black accents, xenon headlights with LED running lights and black highlights the length of the vehicle and on the roof, side sills and tailgate. There is also a set of black 18” Edition 25 design alloy wheels.

The special edition Caravelle is based on SE specification and adds 3-zone Climatronic air conditioning, voice activated SAT NAV and Bluetooth telephone preparation, parking sensors with reversing camera, and Volkswagen’s Lane Change Assist system which monitors the vehicle’s blind spots.

The Caravelle Edition 25 offers exclusive interior environment – two-tone leather seats and electric sliding doors with power-latching on each side of the vehicle.

The van is powered by a 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo common rail diesel with 180PS (132 kW) mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox as standard. The standard model has FWD, but there is an option for 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. From 0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds (12.1 4MOTION) and a top speed of 191 km/h (119 mph) or 188 km/h (117 mph) for the 4MOTION variant. The fuel consumption is very goo – 34.9 mpg (32.1mpg) with CO2 of 214 g/km (232).

2012 Volkswagen Caravelle Edition 25 is priced at £44 995 OTR.

Source: Volkswagen

December 16, 2011

2011 Kia Sorento wins Total 4×4’s Best SUV

The Kia Sorento is Total 4×4’s Best SUV for the second year in a row. It is a huge success, because the competition is very tough.

“The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practicality all score heavily in its favour.”, commented Editor Alan Kidd.

“Make no mistake, this award wasn’t about just being cheap. The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it’s very good at everything that matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.”, he added.

2011 Kia Sorento was launched in the UK in February, last year. It is the flagship of the Kia range and is available in 2WD and 4WD versions – but it is the full-time four wheel drive model that again impressed the Total 4×4 judges to retain its Best SUV crown.

“From the day of its launch we knew that the latest Sorento continued the car’s impressive record of delivering excellent go-anywhere ability coupled with on-road sophistication at a great value price. Sorento has been a long-time favourite in the Kia range and its popularity amongst a wide variety of customers – from those who want on-road towing security or all-weather ability to the more adventurous owner who needs to head away from the main roads.”, said Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd.

“I am delighted that Total 4×4 has again awarded Sorento its Best SUV accolade – especially in the face of so much impressive competition in what remains a hard-fought sector of the market,” he added.”, he added.

The engine range includes 2.0D 16V CRDi, 2.2D 16V CRDi, 2.4 MPI DOHC 16V with Dual CVVT and a mighty 3.5 liter V6 with 273PS (201 kW).

The Sorento is available in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX.

The LX is standard and features an MP3 audio system with SIRIUS SAT Radio, auxiliary and USB audio input, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls and 17” alloy wheels.

The EX adds the UVO infotainment system, push button-start with smart key and rear sonar back-up sensors, rear view back-up cameras, air ionization purification and 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The top-of-range SX trim boasts a voice-activated SAT NAV system with SiriusXM Traffic, an upgraded Infinity surround sound system with 10 speakers and 18” 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Source: Kia

December 16, 2011

Wheelsandmore Ferrari 599 GTO

Wheelsandmore has announced a tuning program for Ferrari 599 GTO. The sports car is finished in black and yellow color.

Wheelsandmore Ferrari 599 GTO stands on enormous 3-piece handcrafted 6Sporz² ultralight forged alloys. They are also finished in black and yellow powder paint with dimensions – 9J x 21“ for the front and 12.5J x 21“ at the rear axle fitted with 245/30 ZR21 and 345/25 ZR21 Hankook S1Evo tires, respectively.

Ferrari 599 GTO is powered by a 6.0 liter naturally aspirated V12 with whopping 670PS (493 kW) at 8250RPM and 620Nm (460 lb-ft) at 6500RPM. From 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.35 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). However, Wheelsandmore boosted the engine to 715PS (526 kW) and 665Nm (491 lb-ft). These results are thanks to a two upgrades – an ECU re-map and stainless steel sport exhaust system with remote valve flaps.

Last, but not least, the tuner has installed a hydraulic liftable suspension, which can lift the front of the sports car up to 30mm (1.18“).

Source: Wheelsandmore

December 16, 2011

2012 Hyundai I-oniq concept car – Teaser

We have very special news from Hyundai, which has presented a sneak peak at its all-new I-oniq concept car. This concept car moreover is a preview of the next evolution of the brand’s ‘Fluidic sculpture’, which will bring new “language” in the design of the cars. Moreover the car is going to be one of the main highlights from Hyundai at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.

Hyundai has only released a single picture of the car which adds to the overall curiosity around it! What we can see here and firmly state about the new I-oniq concept vehicle is that it has two strong arched curves, which define the silhouette of i-oniq. In addition they create a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. And if you analyze it further you will definitely see the long front, which gives a sporty look to the car. And the rear end appears to be with a hatchback design.

Unfortunately Hyundai hasn’t released more details about the new concept car. However more information about I-oniq will be revealed ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The i-oniq concept was designed and developed at the company’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Source: HYUNDAI

December 16, 2011

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