Automobiles Review – Page 975 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Upgrades

In order to get all your money, Volkswagen has announced a number of nice R-Line accessories for the 2012 Tiguan. The manufacturer assumed that the most successful SUV on the German market will need some upgrades both for exterior and interior.

The exterior R-Line package includes a new front front and rear bumpers painted in body colour, modified side skirts with Matt chrome inserts and an R-Line roof edge spoiler. There is also a a black textured rear diffuser, aluminium door sill plates with R-Line logo and another R-Line logo on the radiator grille.

Last but not least, you can get a huge 19” Mallory alloy wheels painted in Sterling silver fitted with 255/40 tires.

The exterior package costs €2 460, without the wheels of course.

The interior R-Line package includes sport front seats, with lateral supports in San Remo microfibre fabric, head restraints with integrated R-Line logo and a multifunction steering wheel with aluminium accents and R-Line badge.

The price of the interior package is a real bargain – €840.

You can also order Vienna leather seats for €2 120, R-Design rear spoiler – €150 and Titan black roofliner – €180.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

The Passat CC was extremely successful vehicle. It featured a unique style both inside and outside at decent price and some of the clients, who wanted Mercedes-Benz CLS went to get Passat CC, because it looked rather the same.

Now however, there is a new version of the 4-door coupe – 2012 Passat CC, which will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The new highlights are modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

At the rear, the car is completely redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines and a reworking of the characteristic chrome strip. There are new taillights with LEDs and LED numberplate lights.

An interesting thing is that the “Passat” has been dropped from the name. Rather radical idea, but we like it, because this is completely different car.

The standard equipment list is huge, but some of the safety features include driver alert system and front head restraints with four-way adjustment. A lot of option extras are now available – High Beam Assist, Side Assist, ane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160PS and 2.0 litre TSI with 210PS. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140 or 170 PS. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

The CC will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in the US in early 2012.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR – 280HP and 400Nm

The new Vauxhall Astra VXR is not only hot hatchback… It is extremely hot and brutal vehicle. 2012 Astra VXR will hit the market in the beginning of the next year as one of the most powerful cars in its class and the fastest production Astra in Vauxhall’s history.

It is powered by the famous 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, which now delivers whopping 280PS (206 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h is not mentioned, but it will in less than 6 seconds, but the top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

2012 Astra VXR comes with unique chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. It also comes with a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which grants maximum stability and grip at any conditions.

Other improvements include Brembo performance brakes and fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.

The aerodynamics include new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape.

The interior boasts bespoke performance seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed VXR steering wheel and upgraded instruments.

We can’t wait to see the new Astra VXR in action!

Source: Vauxhall

November 6, 2011

2012 Ford Focus Electric Price – $39 200

Ford has announced the new 2012 Focus Electric, which now can be ordered for $39 200 not including deliver charge of $795 and a federal income tax credit of $7 500.

“Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company’s first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle – the Focus Electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company.

“The all-new Focus Electric is an important part of Ford’s overall strategy, bringing still another option to customers who want a car that is fun-to-drive, easy to own and fully electric.”, he added.

Focus Electric comes standard with: MyFord Touch with 8” touchscreen; two driver-configurable 4.2” color LCD displays in cluster for unique EV driving screens; MyFord^TM Mobile App – for remotely monitoring and scheduling battery charging with owners’ smartphone as well as remote start; HID Headlamps; 17” aluminum wheels, ambient lighting, seats made from 100-percent recycled material; Rear Camera with Rear Parking Sensor; Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start; MyKey®; voice-activated Navigation System; Particulate Air Filter; hands-free SYNC® Bluetooth telephone connectivity with Traffic, Direction and Information Services; electronic traction control; Sony®-Branded audio with nine speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and HD Radio^TM.

The only options on well-equipped Focus Electrics are leather seats and two paint colors.

A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and the New York/New Jersey regions. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand next year to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

The 19 launch markets include: Atlanta, Austin and Houston, Texas; Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Fla., Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Raleigh Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va., Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Source: Ford

November 3, 2011

2012 Fiat Sedici

Fiat has released 2012 Sedici, which is already available to order. The model is very successful with its more than 76 000 units registered from 2006 until now. The vehicle is actually the best-selling compact SUV in Italy. Still, we wonder why?

2012 Sedici comes in three trim levels – Dynamic, Emotion and Experience and is available with two engines – 1.6 16v 120PS (88 kW) and 2.0 16v Multijet diesel engine with 135PS (99 kW).

2012 Fiat Sedici is available in either front-wheel drive with the only – for those who appreciate line, space and functionality without the need for 4×4 – wheel-drive version is in “on demand” system that lets you the freedom to switch from 4×2 to 4×4, in fact, thanks to the electronic traction, the system automatically adjusts torque distribution on the two axes, further reducing fuel consumption compared to other off-road vehicles in this category, up to a 4×4 with locked differential and torque split 50% front and 50% on the rear axle.

The standard equipment includes air conditioning, CD radio, fog lights, ESP, four airbags.

The addition of the ESP from the preparation from Dynamic, the windows and the bag MP3 player from the Emotion version, and, for the top version of Experience The new navigator 5 “touch with CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth, USB and control connnessione iPhone / iPod.

Source: Fiat

November 3, 2011

2012 Ford Focus ST US

Ford will hit the US market with its global performance car – Focus ST in the beginning of the next year. North American drivers will be able to own a performance car previously unavailable on this continent.

“Focus ST has not come around by chance,” commented Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.

“What came first was our global performance strategy, which has been developed with North America, Europe and Asia together. With this, the core DNA attributes – steering, driving dynamics, sound quality and power enhancements for all ST models – have been defined to the extent that our engineers can take that global DNA fingerprint and use it to create the new Focus ST.”, he added.

Nothing is mentioned about the power, but the American version of Focus ST will be also powered by the famous 2.0 liter turbocharged EcoBoost, which has 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque in Europe. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2012 Ford Focus ST US also comes with a sport tuned suspension, big 18” alloy wheel fitted with low-profile performance tires – 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1. There is also a nice limited-slip differential on the front wheels making the cornering of so powerful FWD car way better.

“The same tires will be offered on the Focus ST in every country,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer for the Focus ST.

“They are designed to extract the best performance from the car on all road conditions. They don’t compromise on performance, and they get the best out of the chassis and driver systems of the car.”, he added.

The interior boasts sporty Recaro seats – available in partial or full leather, specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift. The darker headlining and trim on the pillars, an integral part of the ST’s design DNA, adds to the performance feel.

2012 Ford Focus ST US — Ford Focus ST US (2012)

Source: Ford

November 3, 2011

Chevrolet Sonic Super 4 Concept

Chevrolet has unveiled the Sonic Super 4 at the 2011 SEMA Show. The vehicle is a race car concept that demonstrates Chevrolet’s new small car performance potential. The Sonic Super 4 joins other Chevy performance cars this week in the Chevrolet display at the SEMA Show.

“This is an exciting example of Chevrolet’s small-car performance capability,”, commented Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.

“Sonic has the soul and specifications to be a winner.”, he added.

Sonic measures 2 525 mm – wheelbase, 1 509 mm – front and rear tracks. Its body-frame-integral structure ranks among the stiffest in the global small-car segment, with some of the steel in it delivering tensile strength of 145 000 psi (1 000 MPa) or higher.

The Sonic Super 4 concept features a suspension modified for racing and a lower restriction intake and exhaust system to provide enhanced on-track performance. The interior comes with a chrome moly roll cage built to SCCA specifications, as well as other safety equipment. It looks the part, too, with a lowered stance and 18” racing wheels and tires. It also wears Chevrolet Z-Spec concept accessories, including ground effects and a high-wing spoiler.

Chevrolet Sonic Super 4 Concept:

Exterior

Chevrolet racing graphics
Carbon fiber lower splitter
Carbon fiber rocker panel extensions
Carbon fiber rear diffuser
Tinted headlamps and taillights
Concept Z-Spec high wing rear spoiler
Tow hooks
18×7.5-inch satin black wheels with street-legal racing tires

Interior

SCCA-approved 1¾ -inch chrome moly roll cage
SCCA-approved inner and outer window nets
Z-Spec pedal kit
Racing instrumentation
Racing seat with five-point harness
Fire suppression system
Rearview camera system
Racing steering wheel with quick disconnect

Performance

Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission
Adjustable coil-over struts and spring kit
Performance brakes: four-piston front calipers with two-piece drilled rotors, front; and two-piston rear calipers with one-piece drilled rotors, rear
Low-restriction air intake and filter
Two-inch cat-back straight-pipe exhaust

Source: Chevrolet

November 3, 2011

Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 VCDi LT 7-seat Price – £21 695

Chevrolet has announced special Christmas offers. Customers will be able to save up to £6,000 on certain Chevrolet models ordered between November 10^th and November 30^th 2011, at participating dealers.

The new Captiva 2.2 VCDi LT seven-seat SUV is priced at just £21,695 during the sale period, it offers the luxury and accoutrements of many much more expensive SUVs for less than many smaller, five-seat rivals.

2011 Chevrolet Captiva comes with electronic climate control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors.

The audio system includes Aux-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, the SUV can be ordered with touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for parking assistance.

2011 Captiva has ESC – Electronic Stability Control, TCS – Traction Control System and BAS – Braking Assist System. All these systems come as standard for granted high level of safety.

Source: Chevrolet

November 3, 2011

Tuned Hyundai Velosters at 2011 SEMA

Hyundai has announced their line-up for 2011 SEMA Motor Show. It includes Performance ARK Hyundai Veloster, PM Lifestyle Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC, RMR RM500 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Gaming, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music and REMIX Hyundai Veloster Tech.

All vehicles are unique and the number of upgrades is endless. Adding even more Velosters to Hyundai’s modified pack, RIDES magazine, in association with Lux Motorwerks, also built three custom Velosters centered around the passion points of music, technology and gaming. Each of the three Velosters boasts its own style, top-of-the-line modifications and the most current gear available.

“Each year we bring our newest, most exciting cars to SEMA through a partnership with aftermarket specialists to create even more powerful options for Hyundai owners,” commented Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

“This year, we chose to bring back the tuner-friendly Genesis Coupe as well as debut modifications to our new and innovative three-door coupe, the 2012 Veloster.”, he finished.

ARK Performance Veloster

To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its three-door coupe, Hyundai teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210-horsepower and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster’s potential. The Veloster will showcase mechanical, interior and exterior modifications including an open wheel concept with aggressive fenders and Nitto tires. ARK will also develop Veloster specific parts to showcase the tunability of the engine and vehicle exterior.

PM Lifestyle Veloster

Hyundai partnered with PM Lifestyle, a leader in creative innovation and digital media distribution in the automotive industry, and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to develop a powerful and interactive custom Veloster for this year’s SEMA Show. The bold, blue Veloster with a carbon-fiber hood, Konig Deception wheels and custom leather interior will make its debut on the SEMA Show floor and then take off on a three-year show tour with UTI, making appearances at over 120 autocross, supercross and school demonstration events. With an anticipated performance of 163-horsepower, PM Lifestyle’s custom Veloster will showcase many special modifications, making it a guaranteed highlight at this year’s SEMA Show.

Genesis Hurricane SC

Showcasing the extreme power of Hyundai’s most popular performance car, Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) teamed up with Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International and Torvec Inc. to develop and build a special edition prototype Genesis Coupe, the Genesis Hurricane SC. The Genesis Hurricane SC represents a two year development effort by HATCI, Hyundai’s design, technology and engineering branch, as its engineers worked to enhance all aspects of the vehicle including power, traction, braking, exterior and interior design and audio system. Highlighting the performance modifications, HATCI teamed up with Magnuson Products to supercharge Genesis Coupe’s 3.8L V-6 engine with a liquid to air intercooler, producing more than 450-horsepower.

In addition to the supercharged V-6, the Hurricane features an IsoTorque differential from Torvec Inc., exterior enhancements from Rhys Millen Racing and a Harman International high level Lexicon audio system.

Rhys Millen Racing RM500 Genesis Coupe

Making auto enthusiasts’ wishes come true at this year’s SEMA Show, RMR’s modified Genesis Coupe will showcase Hyundai’s most powerful engine under its hood – the award-winning 5.0-liter Tau V8. The RM500 Genesis Coupe is a 450-horsepower machine with a distinct, production-ready look. This marks the fourth year of the partnership between RMR and Hyundai creating show-stopping vehicles for tuners and consumers alike. In addition to the Tau V8, the all-black Genesis Coupe receives a custom RMR stainless exhaust with GReddy rear section muffler and titanium tips, oil cooler and rear differential cooler. These mechanical enhancements give Hyundai’s most powerful engine an extra 20 horsepower boost.

Rhys Millen Racing 2WD Global Rally Cross Veloster

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) will also showcase his Two-Wheel Drive Veloster Rally Car. This production-based two-wheel drive racer has custom lightweight RMR body panels, improved aerodynamics, and rally-inspired suspension tuning for the rally enthusiast. The car features Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and delivers 300-horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

– REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music

Source: Hyundai

November 2, 2011

Novitec Rosso Ferrari SA Aperta

Novitec Rosso has announced their tuning program for Ferrari 599 Fiorano. The project name is SA Aperta, which means open and you can see why.

Novitec Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is powered by a twin-supercharged 6.0 liter V12 with whopping 888PS (653 kW) and 862Nm (636 lb-ft) of torque, which is 218PS (160 kW) more than the original power of the naturally aspirated engine.

The performance is outstanding – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, to 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of staggering 340 km/h (211 mph). Nice!

599 SA Aperta received enormous 10J x 21” rims fitted with 295/25 ZR 21 Pirelli PZero tires up front and 12J x 22” with 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear. The car is lowered with 25mm by a spring set from NOVITEC. Unique car with unique stance.

There is also a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with 90 mm black-coated tailpipes with deep sound from the mighty V12.

The production will be limited to just 80 units, but nothing is mentioned about pricing.

Source: Novitec Rosso

November 2, 2011

Anderson Ferrari 458 Italia

Anderson Germany has revealed their tuned Ferrari 458 Italia. The car was presented two years ago, in September 2009, at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt and until now, it has a lot of tuning packages.

The aerodynamics kit includes sporty front lip spoiler, front bumper flaps, wider side skirts, a modest rear lip spoiler, engine air outlets, window air intake grille and front bumper ventilation grid. The roof, the hood, the mirrors and the door handles, the trunk lid with the diffuser, as well as tail light trims were manually coated with carbon fiber.

The mighty naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 now delivers 623PS (458 kW). 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds a top speed of over 325 km/h. The new power is thanks to an ECU re-map, sport exhaust system with racing catalyst, heat protection, and special tailpipe.

The “carbon fiber” Italia stands on enormous 9J x 21” rims with 255/30 ZR21 up front and 12J x 22” with 335/25 ZR22 for the rear. The drop-center rims are obviously carbon-coated in body color.

The car is lowered for perfect stance and handling.

No words about pricing.

Source: Anderson Germany

November 2, 2011

Renown Lamborghini Gallardo R70

Lamborghini Gallardo R70 will be exhibited at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The tuning package is created by Renown Auto Style.

The Renown R70 package includes a new front bumper featuring a lower carbon fiber section, carbon fiber side skirts, a rear bumper with a carbon fiber diffuser that houses dual exhaust tips, and a carbon fiber low drag wing that features a gurney flap. There are also a line up of wheels and is currently developing a new exhaust system.

The R70 package suits only to the 04-08 Gallardo. All the carbon fiber parts are hand crafted and finished to optimize the unique weave pattern for each piece.

“Renown as a company is very young, but we bring 30 years of combined experience in the automotive world, we have the knowledge to work around issues. This is why we do all of our development and aero production in-house. We are very proud of the fact that everything we offer is designed, developed and produced in the US.”, finished Ray Fong the company president.

Source: Renown Auto Style

November 2, 2011

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