Automobiles Review – Page 961 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Anderson S8 Venom Edition

Audi has been a major player in the luxury class for over sixteen years now. It all started with the arrival of the A8 which carried some image-defining technology such as permanent all-wheel-drive and a body made from aluminium. Today it is a worthy adversary against the giants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Now the Audi S8 (the performance edition of A8) has undergone an impressive makeover supervised by the capable ANDERSON Germany. Say hello to the S8 Venom Edition. Let us start with the paint – the overall body is in satin grey matte while various bits and pieces such as the radiator grill, the logos, the door handles and the panels are in glossy black. The added body kit consists of a front apron which has LED lights, a rear one as well and also a pair of side skirts. The fenders now house two striking air intakes while the tinted windows and tail lights in turn, give a certain menacing look to the car. Noticeably lowered, the S8 sits on four massive 265 tires with shiny black callipers peaking out from the 22 inch rims. Carbon fibre is applied on the side view mirrors, tail flapper and the grille frame.

Anderson Germany Audi A8 Venom Edition (2011)

The carbon trend continues inside as well as the exclusive sports steering wheel, door panels and the centre consoles are all deliciously garnished with fibres. Otherwise the interior is a feast of grey leather and light grey Alcantra (a unique and innovative covering material). There is also something for the teenager in all of us (or our kids I suppose) – A neat sound system complimented with headrest monitors and a Playstation 3.

ANDERSON is not all about style and glamour. Yes, now you can adjust the sounding of the exhaust pipes with a remote control but they have also fiddled with their weight and thus increased the power by 16hp. Not only that but they have also tuned the engine management system, fitted a sports filter and a racing catalyst and the result is 442bhp as opposed to 350bhp.

Undeniably, ANDERSON Germany is working for the image of the A8 which already is underneath the spotlight thanks to a number of appearances in the media and politics.

Source: Anderson Germany

December 13, 2011

RIEGER makeover for Audi TT

German auto-design and tuning house RIEGER is preparing for its 25^th anniversary next year so we decided it is worth gaining a bit of insight on their works.

In the beginning it was only a man named Tony Rieger and his garage. 25 years later Rieger Tuning is a corporation with more than 40 employees. It’s main focus is production of body accessories and aerodynamic parts for cars from the European market.

And now they have an abundant array of body parts for your Audi TT S-line. The front spoiler comes with two black honeycomb mesh air-intakes and an air splitter which can either be shipped in ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or in a specially ordered carbon fibre look (but not really in carbon fibre). In fact almost all the other parts of the body kit have this carbon look option. The side skirts look very sporty with an air duct at their back end. The same goes for the rear valance which looks like an extension to the side skirts because of the similar ducts at it’s ends. As we move on to the rear bumper, which by the way can house park distance control sensors upon order, we can notice another two distinctive vents.

Trunk and rooftop spoilers can be added for a sportier look and it goes without saying that low profile tires wrapped around 20 inch rims can only enhance the appeal. The cherry on top is the vertical lift door conversion kit but it will set you back with $ 2666.

Everything is all very cosmetic but the end result does stir up the little boy inside each and every one of us. So one can easily be tempted to review their price list (It is revised to celebrate the anniversary!)

Source: RIEGER

December 13, 2011

Lexus Has New Concept In Mind

Lexus has announced (teased) that a new concept will be unveiled on the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One thing is for sure – it is styled by Calty which is the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California. Also Lexus has released this teaser pick on which we can only guess. It certainly looks like a sports car.

Needless to remind you that back in 2010, the company tried to break away from its comfort and luxury image by stunning the world with the Lexus LFA. It was very impressive with a 4.8 litre engine developing more than 550bhp. So small wonder that now Lexus is planning to continue the trend.

What we see here are some sharp, aggressive lines that form a low, extended nose. Naturally there is some carbon fibre visible right along a massive opening which supposedly will cool down the brakes. Just a patch of the front grille can be seen but enough to assume that it will provide proper airflow to the engine

Lexus Concept (teased) — Lexus Concept (teaser)

Speculators see resemblance to the Toyota GT-86, while others predict this will be the replacement of the Lexus SC. Whatever it is, if it turns out to be nearly as good as the LFA, Lexus will be one step closer to the performance Valhalla.

More information is expected next week.

Source: Lexus

December 13, 2011

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel – World Record

An epic journey was completed by Rainer Zietlow and his team driving Volkswagen Touareg 3.0-litre V6 TDI Clean Diesel. The Carretera Panamericana race took 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes and a total of 22 750 kilometres on the route between Tierra del Fuego and Alaska.

Zietlow and his team passed through 17 countries as well as most of the Earth’s climate and vegetation zones in the record drive, which has been certified by the TÜV Nord testing organisation.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel SUV proved its efficiency in extreme conditions of heat, heavy rain, sandstorms or snow. The Eco-friendly vehicle has a 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 225PS (165 kW) at 3500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque at just 1750RPM. The power is put on the road through 4MOTION AWD system. Besides the heavyweight and the all-wheel-drive system, the SUV offers class leading fuel economy 8.4 liters per 100 km (28 MPG) on highway and 12.4 l /100 km (19MPG) in city.

In order to account for the demands of the TDI-Panamericana Endurance Challenge, this Touareg has been modified to include:

Innovative Inmarsat satellite technology for live communication even in the most remote areas
The largest tires that fit the Touareg to better address bumpy roads through South America
An additional 300 liter fuel tank to extend the distance the vehicle can travel between fuelings

Check out the pictures from the journey, below!

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel - World Record — Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel – World Record

Source: Volkswagen

December 13, 2011

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport Price – £13 500

Suzuki has announced the new 2012 Swift Sport, which is the flagship of the model. It comes with high level equipment, tuned steering, braking and suspension. The new Swift Sport offers better handling, driving performance, environmental compatibility and an uncompromising focus on quality. Overall, it offers a rewarding experience of Suzuki’s sporting DNA.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package with improved airflow. The car also has a High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with a metallic-grey coating as well as new design rear lamps.

The interior is also focused in sport. It features sport seats in an exclusive fabric and a five-dial meter cluster.

The suspension boasts greater toe and camber rigidity for the torsion beam, greater lateral rigidity in the torsion-beam bushings and larger rear wheel bearings. All this improvements enhance stability at the rear under hard cornering. The springs are also revised as well as the steering-gearbox member and suspension-frame member.

The small car is powered by a new M16A petrol engine featuring VVT and increased valve lift. The result is 136PS (100 kW) and 160Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel economy is superb – 6.4 liters per 100 km on combined cycle with emissions of 147 g/km CO2. The engine is mated to a newly developed 6-speed manual gearbox.

The safety is at high level, too. It includes seven airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) as standard.

2012 Swift Sport is available in five metallic / pearlescent colours which are as follows:

Silky Silver metallic

Kashmir Blue Pearl metallic

Cosmic Black Pearl metallic

Cool White pearl metallic

Ablaze Red Pearl metallic

In line with other models in the Suzuki range, new Swift Sport models are covered by a three-year/60 000-mile new vehicle warranty. Service intervals are every 9 000 miles. 2012 Suzuki Swift Sport is priced at £13 500 OTR.

2012 Suzuki Swift Sport Equipment List:

COMFORT
Electric windows with drivers side auto-down
Heated electric and folding door mirrors
Remote central door locking
Keyless entry and push button start
Front Sport seats
Automatic Air Conditioning
Pollen filter
MP3 / WMA compatible Radio/CD with USB port + 6 speakers
Bluetooth integrated audio unit with voice activation and music streaming facility
Audio controls on steering wheel
Cruise control
Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel
Tinted glass
Rear privacy glass
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Lights-on/key-in reminder
Digital clock
Outside temperature display
Fuel consumption display (average / instantaneous / tank range
Driver’s seat belt warning lamp & alarm
Door ajar warning lamp
INTERIOR
Boot light (2 positions)
Sun visor/vanity mirror (both sides)
Front map light
Centre console storage
Cup holders x 3
Front seat height adjuster (driver’s side)
60/40 split rear seat backs
Accessory socket
EXTERIOR
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with headlamp washers
Automatic headlamp levelling
2 speed & intermittent windscreen wipers
Rear wash/wipe with intermittent facility
17” Alloy wheels
Black coloured A & B pillars
Body coloured door mirrors & handles
Electromagnetic tailgate opener
Body coloured side sill covers
Body coloured Tailgate mounted rear roof spoiler
Front fog lamps
Towing eye
SAFETY & SECURITY
Driver and front passenger airbags
Side curtain airbags
Curtain Shield Airbags
Drivers knee airbag
Front passenger airbag deactivation system
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
ABS with EBD
Automatic headlamps
3-point ELR seatbelts for all seats
ISOFIX child seat restraint system with top tether anchors
Remote fuel lid opener
Side impact protection beams
Visible VIN
Freewheeling key cylinders
Deadlocks
Flat tyre repair system (in place of spare wheel)

NEW SWIFT SPORT 1.6 VVT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type		M16A with VVT
No. of cylinders		4
No. of valves		16
Fuel distribution		Multipoint injection
EU emission standard compliance		Euro 5
Bore x stroke (mm)		78.0 x 83.0
Capacity (cc)		1,586
Compression ratio		11.0:1
Max output (kW/hp @ rpm)		100/136 @ 7,000
Max torque (Nm/lbft @ rpm)		160/118 @ 4,400
TRANSMISSION
Type		6-speed manual
Gear ratios	1^st	3.615
	2^nd	2.047
	3^rd	1.518
	4^th	1.156
	5^th	0.918
	6th	0.794
	Reverse	3.481
	Final drive	3.944
CHASSIS
Brakes – front		Ventilated discs
Brakes – rear		Discs
Suspension – front		MacPherson strut & coil springs
Suspension – rear		Torsion beam & coil springs
Steering		Rack and pinion
Turning circle (m)		10.4
Tyre size		195/45R17
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Kerb weight kg		1,045
Gross vehicle weight kg		1,480
Towing capacity – braked kg		1,000
Towing capacity – unbraked kg		400
Overall length – mm		3,890
Overall width – mm		1,695
Overall height – mm		1,510
Wheelbase – mm		2,430
Track Front – mm		1,470
Track Rear – mm		1,475
Ground clearance – mm		130
Seats		4
Luggage capacity – rear seatback raised (l)		211
Luggage capacity – rear seatback folded (l)		512
Fuel tank capacity (l)		42
PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
Urban cycle mpg (l/100 km)		33.6 (8.4)
Extra urban mpg (l/100 km)		54.3 (5.2)
Combined mpg (l/100 km)		44.1 (6.4)
CO₂ emissions (g/km)		147
Max. speed (mph)		121
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) secs		8.7

Source: Suzuki

December 13, 2011

2012 Vorsteiner BMW 1-Series M Coupe GTS-V Teaser

Vorsteiner is surprising us with a teaser image of the upcoming and freshly tuned BMW 1-Series M Coupe GTS-V. The California-based tuning company has just shared few details of what it will be included in this make-over of the 1M. First the body kit features a front spoiler with Integrated Brake Duct System Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg. Next there will also be a rear diffuser replacement with extended aero fins and signature GTS-V designed splitters Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg. In addition, another element which was fabricated from Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg is the lightweight boot lid replacement wing profile element.

Furthermore with this tuning you’ll get the very special Cat Back sport exhaust system, which unlike the previous parts is made from titanium. We can’t go further without mentioning the tires, which of course were carefully modified by Vorsteiner’s brilliant designers! The 1M GTS-V has the 19 or 20 inch Forged Concave Wheels, thank to which you’ll have and excellent and exciting drive! At last, the designers have thought about the uniqueness of the interior too, and thus supplying it with special embroidered floor mats with orange piping!

First orders will start shipping in late January 2011! Stay tuned for more information around this incredible tuning with the official release of the program early next week!

2012 Vorsteiner BMW 1-Series M Coupe GTS-V

Source: Vorsteiner

December 13, 2011

2012 Volvo V60 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid

Probably the new 2012 Volvo V60 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid is the most technically advanced Volvo model ever! And not only comparing to Volvo, but also it is extremely more advanced compared to other hybrids on the market! If you ask why, well the reasons for this are numerous. Firstly, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. It is a technical achievement because it is an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. And here’s the catch: at the mere touch of a button you can choose which of your three cars you want to drive at any given moment in time! Isn’t that almost magical!

The manufacturers have decided that this car will be offered just production in just one colour, which is Electric Silver. If you plan to order this unique Hybrid, you can do it in the start of 2012, and the first cars will be built in the autumn of that year. The hybrid was firstly unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, and since then received a lot of attention, due to its spectacular silver colour, exclusive interior and generous standard equipment!

For example the first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in Electric Silver. The vehicle is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler. Moeover, the chromed “Plug-in Hybrid” emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.

To go further into details, the interior of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is exclusively designed! It features black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood. In addition to make it more distinctive, the interior includes details of a leather-covered steering wheel, specially designed mats and a gear lever knob with integrated indicator. Furthermore in the list of standard equipment have been included features such as speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call. As standard equipment you will also get the High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with its 4×40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen! And all this in order to have the best drive!

Next to be mentioned is that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the first model to be launched with an entirely digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM). Here the conventional analogue gauges have been replaced by a one-piece LED screen with large number of display options. Therefore the driver can choose which information to show via the car’s menu setup. Further innovation is that the driver can communicate with the car via a mobile app, thus giving the owner access to a number of smart functions such as air conditioning, pre-cooling and after-cooling, and a reminder to connect the charge cable if this has not been done by a predetermined time.

Moreover this Volvo is also the first to be “wearing” the D6 badge on its tailgate. The reason is that the combined performance of the five-cylinder turbodiesel and electric motor puts the car firmly within the same horsepower range as the petrol powered T6. In addition the front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing 158 kW (215 hp) and maximum torque is 440 Nm (325 lb-ft). Another detail is that the car has a six-speed automatic transmission. Next o be highlighted about the hybrid is the rear axle, which is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. Additionally the electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment. To be more precise the sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. Moreover, an integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car’s climate unit.

What is very special about the new V60 Plug-in Hybrid is that it offers three driving modes, which makes possible the car to “include” three other cars in itself. This happens when the driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power. Through the first mode, the Vehicle is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. Note that if the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 50 kilometers! You’ll also go “eco” all the way because of the carbon dioxide emissions which are zero. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style. In the next “Hybrid” mode, which is also the standard setting whenever the car is started, the diesel engine works along with the electric motor and thus way ensuring optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. Here CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100km. This time the car has a total range of up to 1,000km. The last mode named “Power” is the technological optimization utilized by the manufacturers. The aim was to provide the car with the maximum possible power. Here the diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor’s lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Additional option in the Hybrid concerns the battery, in which the driver can choose to save its power in order to drive on pure electricity later on. For example this is a good idea when one is in an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in “Pure” mode. And of course if it is necessary, the high-tension generator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in “Pure” mode. The goal is ensure there is sufficient battery power for about 20 kilometers of driving on electricity alone.

Great news about the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is that it can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A). This can happen at home or in a parking lot, where the recharging time varies with the amperage. For example a full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours, or 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.

Additionally of you want to feel more comfortable, there is an option which is heating or cooling the passenger compartment while recharging the car. This also means that more battery power is used for actually propelling the car. The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries. The perfect temperature for the battery pack is 20-30°C. This means that cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximize battery charge and thus also range. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two heating systems: in electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater, and on the other hand it also has a diesel-powered heater.

The vehicle has a special AWD button, which activates the electrical four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle. The aim is to be provided a better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads. Nevertheless, owing to the electric motor’s lower power, torque to the rear wheels is limited and four-wheel drive is active up to 120 km/h. When four-wheel drive is activated, the diesel engine operates continuously and the generator ensures that the charge level in the battery pack is sufficient to supply the rear axle with the necessary power. The electric four-wheel drive is more economically efficient because it is an option which is being activated by the driver when necessary.

At last in the vehicle is included a two-stage braking system. This is another smart feature of the Volvo Plug-in Hybrid. The reason for this is because when the driver presses the brake pedal, the system starts breaking the rear axle’s electric motor. This braking energy is then used to recharge the car’s battery pack. Hence the mechanical brakes are activated only when the situation requires more braking power than the rear axle can provide.

Source: Volvo

December 13, 2011

2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring

The new Elantra Touring will give the customers all the difference they want to make in their lives. This is possible thank to the five-door versatility, and all the changes in the features, packages and options for 2012. Hence, the 2012 Elantra Touring continues to add value in the compact car segment!

Elantra Touring GLS continues to offer exclusive options as a standard. For example there are standard air conditioning, EZ Lane Change Assist, headlight welcome function, power windows, heated mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and plenty of storage compartments. Furthermore it offers as a standard advanced safety technologies including Electronic Stability Control (ESC). And to make it more exciting the audiosystem included is an integrated 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with six speakers and iPod/USB/Auxiliary inputs. And to repeat: all of this is standard!

Of course there is an optional package, called Preferred Package. It includes 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. In addition the Preferred Package also features silver roof rails, a telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, steering wheel mounted audio controls, eight-way driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, sliding sunvisors, seatback pockets, retractable cargo cover, illuminated ignition and premium cloth interior.

For the customers who are keen on sport cars, there is a sport-oriented SE. It includes all the equipment in the GLS Preferred Equipment Package, but also adds new standard leather seats, heated front seats, a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, leather steering wheel and shift knob, B&M Racing sport shifter (M/T), fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 low profile tires.

The designers have made the exterior with flowing curves and strong character lines, thus highlighting the broad stance and long wheelbase of the Elantra Touring. The clearly defined, unbroken, rising beltline unifies the vehicle’s functional proportions. As a result therefore we have an exciting shape that provides a dynamic impression of performance and capability. Moreover Elantra Touring has a low coefficient of drag for optimal fuel efficiency at highway speeds and minimal interior noise. To complete the contemporary design there has been included sharp projection headlamps, available fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels.

The long wheelbase of the vehicle provides more spacious interior. Furthermore the interior was made with the aim to provide class-leading comfort, which is both functional and practical. In fact, Elantra Touring cargo capacity is 65.3 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded down), thus making more space in the cargo than any other five-door in its class.

And in order to have an exciting driving experience there’s an optional B&M Racing sport shifter (M/T) and tilt, and telescopic steering wheel. contribute to a superior driving experience. On the other hand the duotone beige interior trim, delivers a first class feel. The customers have two options to choose the color of the interior: black or beige.

Furthermore the Elantra Touring includes a telescopic steering wheel, conveniently located steering wheel audio/cruise controls and column stalks, easy-to-reach heating and air conditioning knobs, as well as conveniently positioned power windows and mirror controls. Moreover, even the positioning and precise feel of the automatic gearshift has been improved. The front seats are designed to complement the driving dynamics of the vehicle, and carefully contoured rear seats provide long distance comfort and support.

Elantra Touring has extraordinary exterior dimensions: 176.6 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 59.8 inches high, thus providing the vehicle a good place in the compact five-door segment cars. On the other hand its long wheelbase (106.3 inches) means that Elantra Touring offers class-leading interior volume. In addition, every Elantra Touring has 60/40 split folding rear seats for added storage, functionality and practicality. Furthermore the Elantra Touring includes a number of convenient and standard storage features such as sunglass holder, two front and two rear cupholders, door bottle holders, dash storage, central console storage, front storage tray, and a cargo area under-floor storage. For tailgaters, the cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for using portable electronic devices, even when the vehicle is not on.

To go further into details, Elantra Touring is powered by a 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power band, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Having all this in mind you won’t be surprised that the Elantra Touring is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). In addition, an ergonomically located gated gear shift controls the Elantra Touring’s four-speed automatic transmission delivering confident mode selection. A unique-in-segment optional B&M Racing sport shifter delivers smooth, short-throw shift control for the standard five-speed manual transmission.

With the Hyundai Elantra Touring the experience while driving is dynamic and exciting! The reason for this is the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, which have been fitted to perfectly complement the body structure’s high rigidity. The excellent stopping power with added handling control is provided thank to the ventilated 11.8-inch front and solid 10.3-inch rear discs with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

As usual Hyundai has though for the safety and has made improvement in this technology. For example a key development goal for the Elantra Touring was the top-tier safety, which is fully equipped to protect driver and passengers. In addition it also includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, for a total of six protective airbags in the vehicle. The Elantra Touring also features active front head restraints, seatbelt pretensioners and a seatbelt reminder. For instance the combination of side and curtain airbags can reduce fatal accidents by more than 52 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Source: Hyundai

December 13, 2011

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe Price – €115 430

Here is a nice video of the latest C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe by MercedesBenzTV.

The beast is powered by the famous 6.2 liter AMG sourced engine – the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated power plant. The power is the whopping 517PS (380 kW) and 620Nm (460 lb-ft) and the performance is amazing – 0 to 100 km/h in breathtaking 4.2 seconds and a top speed beyond 300 km/h barrier (without speed governor). Despite this power, the engine needs just 12.2 litres per 100 km on combined cycle and emits 286 g/km of CO2. The engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with four driving modes.

A superfast car need needs enormous brakes, rims and tires. In the same order – 6-piston calipers with 390 x 36 mm discs for the front and 4-piston calipers with 360 x 26 mm for the rear; 9.0J x 19” and 9.5J x 19” wheels fitted with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19, respectively.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgNcRSPCgz4

There is also a 3-stage ESP – “ESP ON”, “Sport Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF”. The ABS system has been completely retuned and the AMG high-performance braking system has also been redeveloped.

The interior is also at extreme sport level – black with red highlight elements. There are also steering wheel in Nappa leather and aluminium shift paddles, red seat belts and red contrasting topstitching on the steering wheel, on the seats, door centre panels, armrests on the doors, the centre console and on the shift lever.

An exclusive “Black Series” logo adorns the trim on the dashboard, which sports a high-gloss black piano-lacquer look.

The price for this pleasure is not less than €115 430 without any optional extras, which can boost the price to the sky.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series:

	C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series
Displacement	6208 cc
Bore x stroke	102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio	11.3 : 1
Output	380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm at 6800/min
Max. torque	620 Nm at 500 rpm
Engine weight (dry)	196 kg
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	12.2 l/100 km*
CO₂emissions	286 g/km*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.2 s*

The standard specification includes:

AMG door sills in stainless steel, brushed, with AMG logo
AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel, with rubber studs
Audio 20 CD radio with double tuner, colour display, Bluetooth^® interface, hands-free function, USB interface and eight loudspeakers
Automatic climate control

Optional extras include:

AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (cross strut in front apron, exterior mirror housing, inserts on the side sill panel, diffuser insert and spoiler lip in genuine carbon fibre)
AMG light-alloy wheels featuring forging technology, painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish on the rim flange, with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 tyres
AMG carbon-fibre trim
Fire extinguisher
Intelligent Light System ILS
KEYLESS-GO
Tinted side/rear windows

Source: MercedesBenzTV via Youtube

December 12, 2011

Audi R8 GRAND-AM

Audi Sport has announced the new R8 GRAND-AM, which is based on R8 LMS that has scored more than 110 victories and 13 titles. Essentially, from the GT3 race car quattro GmbH has developed a vehicle for the Grand Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series in the USA and subjected it to final testing at Daytona.

There were two test days, when Frank Stippler completed around 1000 km with Audi R8 GRAND-AM. The famous Daytona International Speedway in the U.S. state of Florida with its banked turns served to prepare for the Daytona 24 Hours at which private racing customers will compete with the R8 GRAND AM on January 28^th and 29^th, next year.

Still ,the newly developed car is a lot different than the GT3 model. The downforce is a lot lower due to the GRAND-AM regulations, which prescribe modified body components. For example, the new front splitter may only protrude from the front contours by 38 mm. Besides that, the front underbody must have a flat design and the rear diffusor corresponds to the production car component, while the standardised rear wing is only 152 cm wide and thus 260 mm slimmer than the rear wing of the R8 LMS.

“The lower aerodynamic forces also require modified damper characteristics and softer spring rates,” said Armin Plietsch, Head of Engineering Customer Sport at quattro GmbH.

In addition, the regulations prescribe a ride height of 65 mm – which is about 10 mm more than the minimum in the FIA series.

The tires should be from the series’ exclusive supplier, Continental and the ABS and traction control, which are standard equipment on the Audi R8 LMS, had to be deactivated for the R8 GRAND-AM.

The optimised radiator package that Audi developed for the R8 LMS ultra is also used in the R8 GRAND-AM.

“We successfully tested all the modifications at Daytona,” commented Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH.

“With Frank Stippler we developed a sound and solid set-up for our customers and also gathered valuable findings in the endurance tests. The durability of wearing parts and runs at high outside temperatures meet challenging demands. We can now provide our racing customers with concrete advice and reference values for fielding the car.”, he finished.

Source: Audi

December 12, 2011

John Moyer Gives The 2012 RS a Go

Rock stars and fast cars have always went hand in hand or should I say muscle to muscle.

Recently John Moyer, the bassist of the widely popular heavy metal band Disturbed, has had the pleasure to test out the pumped Mustang 2012 ROUSH Stage 3 and now he is impressed. Very impressed. What follows ahead is truly akin to a love story.

It was on an business project in Los Angeles where Moyer met with ROUSH Performance marketing director Jay Velthoven and sales manager Robert Barben. They were supposed to make a photo shoot with the rocker and two lush Mustangs finely tuned by the hardcore company. Even at that point, Moyer was impressed by the amazingly sporty looks including the green racing stripes on the black one and the red motives on the white one. He was also impressed how subtle ROUSH had been when placing their logo on the cars. No doubt though that these beasts were far from standard. The experience intensified as the photo shoot took place at Mulholland drive for a few scenic pictures. Moyer now had the chance to hear them rumble and to contrast that drama with their smooth ride.

At the end of the day Jay and Robert very kindly offered Moyer to keep the white one for the night and flung him the keys. Needles to say he accepted. Now this was the real deal. He was in charge of a 540 horsepower beast which was navigated by what he describes as sharp steering and reasonably responsive brakes. The suspension felt rather sporty and yet not hard enough to break your back. He than proceeded on testing the feel of the acceleration starting from first gear, going trough second and banging into third as his body experienced the incoming G forces.

On the Pacific Coast Highway, with barely any traffic at all, he was literally sent into oblivion with that car. The night slipped away, friends and family were frantic about his whereabouts. By the end of his trip he had done 150 miles on the clock.

Reluctantly he handed over the keys in the morning only to find that he was allowed to keep it for the next day as well.

Picture yourselves in his position. What do you do?

If you ask him: “When someone hands you the keys to a 540 horsepower Roush Mustang and says “Have fun!” don’t ask questions, don’t even blink, just get in the car and go.”

I could not have said it better myself

Source: ROUSH Performance

December 12, 2011

Bentley embraces the V8 world

The original Bentley continental GT launched in 2003 has been a major success on the global market. Up until now over 50 000 customers have had the privilege to own one and marvel at the magnificent W12 6.0 twin-turbo engine that powered them. Spawn from the biggest ever twelve cylinder factory in Crewe, England, it was, and still is a refined beast which embodied the engineering supremacy of Bentley Motors Limited

Nowadays however, with the tightening regulations on CO₂ emissions and the constant climb of fuel prices, Bentley needs a new strategy. What they intend to do is broaden their production range by adding a new sophisticated V8 engine that will deliver all that there is expected from a V8 and yet it will also show that Bentley is after all an environmentally conscious company with a few tricks up its sleeve.

According to the figures given, performance will not be impaired. We are talking about a 500BHP powerhouse which will grant you 660Nm (487 lb ft) of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range. Pair that with a close-ratio 8 speed auto-box and you’ll get less than 5 seconds of 0-60mph acceleration time and a top speed of a 180mph – hardcore. It is also four-wheel-drive but uses a torque split system with a Toresn differential that sends only 40% of the power to the front tires so we get all the safety with none of the drawbacks.

Bentley Continental GT V8 (2012)

But let us talk about the clever bits. Bentley say they have manged to achieve great power-to-economy ratio. Mind you this is in terms of luxury performance economy so we are not actually saving the planet here. Yet one has to admit that the claimed 40 percent improved fuel efficiency does sound impressive. That and a travel range of over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel are the only official claims we have so far. There will be more available early in 2012 when the Continental GT and GTC (which will debut these engines) are introduced on the American International Auto Show in Detroit.

So how do they achieve these feats of economy without harming the Bentley spirit? The company engineers have employed a complex engine management system which allows the car to potter all day in town using only four of the cylinders and then when you put your foot down on lets say an extra urban road you get all the cylinders you need to bend time and space. It is a system that has been around but nor very common. Other more standard features include: high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and an innovative turbo charger packaging all work together in the name of efficiency.

And how do we tell apart these newcomers from the top of the range GT W12? Petrol heads will have no problem recognizing the distinctive V8 growl but for the more oblivious there have been some sublime visual alterations. The grille is a glossy black matrix mesh which has been framed and also slashed in the middle with some chrome. Three patches of the same mesh is also used to style the front lower bumper. The hallmark “B” badge is in enamel red in front and at the back as well. Two chromed tailpipes each representing an ominous “eight figure” add to the aggressive look. And speaking of aggression both of the models come with 20 inch alloys as standard but if you really want to leave an impression the optional 21 inch diamond black or diamond silver ones are up for the job. The interior is as sporty as it is luxurious – Eliade cloth headlining garnished with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, two-toned leather theme as an optional extra and a short centre console made for the appeal of the demanding customer.

Will the new Continental GT and the convertible GTC pose as fine compliments to the astonishing W12? Only time will show.

Source: Bentley

December 12, 2011

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