Automobiles Review – Page 981 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Toyota LMP1 Hybrid Sports Car

Toyota has announced that will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012 with a new hybrid power sports car. The manufacturer will return to the world’s most famous endurance race will be with a new LMP1 chassis designed, developed and produced by Toyota Motorsport in Germany, equipped with a hybrid petrol powertrain engineered by Toyota in Japan.

“Toyota has entered Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge. We want to write a new chapter in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.”, commented Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Toyota Motorsport Chairman.

“In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology. Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive co-operation over the last few months.”, he added.

Toyota last competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours as a manufacturer in the late 1990s racing the GT-One, a car which famously established a new race lap record in 1999.

Source: Toyota

October 14, 2011

2012 Hyundai Veloster Coupe Price – £17 995

Hyundai has revealed the new 2012 Veloster Coupe, which is priced at just £17 995 on the road with an insurance group rating of 16E.

The Hyundai Veloster will be available in two trim levels and powered by an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine with 140PS. The option for transmission is either 6-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Hyundai’s Blue drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology and low rolling resistance tyres – will feature in the Veloster line-up ensuring competitive CO₂ emissions of 137g/km and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg.

Standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, a 7” Touch screen media centre with capability of playing games through consoles and films from smart phones, Bluetooth Connectivity with voice recognition, climate control air conditioning, reversing sensors, front and rear fog lights and striking LED daytime running lights. The Veloster also features a stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3/WMA compatibility and an iPod connection, with the ability to control all functions on the leather steering wheel for added convenience.

The Veloster Sport benefits from 18” alloy wheels with colour inserts, black leather upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sporty alloy pedals.

A media pack – containing touch screen satellite navigation with rear view parking camera, Parking Guidance System and 7 speakers including Amp and subwoofer – and red leather interior are available as options on the Sport derivative only.

Model Prices	Fuel Type	CO2 Emissions	Insurance Group	VED Band	Price (OTR)
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door	Petrol	148	16E	F	£ 17 995.00
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door Blue Drive	Petrol	137	16E	E	£ 18 345.00
Veloster 1.6GDi 4-door DCT	Petrol	145	16E	F	£ 19 245.00
Veloster Sport 1.6GDi 4-door	Petrol	148	16E	F	£ 20 495.00
Veloster Sport 1.6GDi 4-door DCT	Petrol	145	16E	F	£ 21 745.00

Source: Hyundai

October 14, 2011

Vilner Saturn Sky

Vilner has introduced the unique tuned Saturn Sky. The Bulgarian tuners specializes in developing bespoke, high end interiors.

Vilner Saturn Sky boasts nice oriental blue exterior combined with a red interior. The tuner also offers LED daytime running lights for the front bumper.

The interior is the real deal. It includes black Alcantara and carbon fiber trim parts, as well as new dials, a carbon fiber steering wheel and a new upholstery. There is also a newly fitted high-end Ground Zero sound system.

Saturn Sky is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 260PS (194 kW) and 353Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and to 160 km/h in 14.7 seconds. The ¼ mile is covered in 13.9 seconds at 100 mph (161 km/h). However, the engine is rather economical – 12 liters per 100 km in city and just 8.4 liters per 100 km on the highway.

No words about pricing.

Source: Vilner

October 13, 2011

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car

Kia has announced Rio B-Spec Race car, which will have its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is developed by Kia as 5-door version model is being used for base. The project is finished thanks to Kinetic Motorsports.

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car comes with a pair of sport bucket seats, 5-point seatbelts, a roll cage and ultra-light rims fitted with performance tires. There are also new adjustable coilover suspension and sport brake system. Carbon fiber components are also used for weight reduction and more balance.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the engine or performance, but more details will be available soon.

Source: Kia

October 13, 2011

Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe [teaser]

Hyundai has published the first teaser picture of the Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe. The sports car will have its official debut at the SEMA Motor Show.

The Hurricane SC Coupe comes with new front and rear bumpers, modified grille and a carbon fiber hood for low weight and better balance. There is also a new rear diffuser. The headlights feature LED technology and the car stands on enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with Hankook performance tires.

The interior boasts Katzkin leather and suede sport seats and nice Harman Lexicon audio system.

Genesis Hurricane SC Coupe is powered by a 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine with 456PS (336 kW). The performance is staggering, that’s why Hyundai fitted the sports vehicle with adjustable coilover suspension, Brembo brake system and torsen-type limited-slip differential for perfect traction.

Source: Hyundai

October 13, 2011

2012 Audi TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI Sport Price – £24 070

Audi now offers the new Audi TT Coupe 1.8 TFSI model generously equipped to either Sport or S line specification, and available with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmissions.

The 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 160PS (118 kW) at 4500RPM and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque at just 1500RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds with the manual gearbox and 7.1 seconds with the S-tronic transmission. The top speed is 225 km/h (140 mph). The fuel consumption is superb – 44.1 mpg on combined cycle.

The extensive equipment list already offered by Sport models, and further embellished in S line versions, is carried over unchanged to the new 1.8 TFSI. For Sport models it includes 17” alloy wheels, electronic climate control, leather and Alcantara combination upholstery and a Concert audio system with single CD player and MP3/iPod connectivity.

S line versions upgrade with features including 18” alloy wheels, lowered S line sports suspension, a short-shift gearbox for manual versions, S line exterior and interior detailing and xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps.

The top-of-range Black Edition specification takes S line as its basis and is available exclusively for 2.0-litre TFSI and TDI versions. It adds 19” alloy wheels, a black styling treatment for the single frame grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear privacy glass for Coupe models, acoustic rear parking sensors for Roadsters, a Bluetooth phone interface and an upgraded Symphony audio system linked to a BOSE premium sound system.

Check out the full price list, below!

2012 Audi TT Price:

TT Coupe	OTR
1.8 TFSI Sport manual	£24,070
1.8 TFSI S line manual	£26,060
1.8 TFSI Sport S tronic	£25,550
1.8 TFSI S line S tronic	£27,540
2.0 TFSI Sport manual	£27,140
2.0 TFSI Sport S tronic	£28,620
2.0 TFSI S line manual	£29,130
2.0 TFSI S line S tronic	£30,610
2.0 TFSI Black Edition manual	£30,380
2.0 TFSI Black Edition S tronic	£31,860
2.0 TFSI quattro Sport S tronic	£30,150
2.0 TFSI quattro S line S tronic	£32,140
2.0 TFSI quattro Black Edition S tronic	£33,390
2.0 TDI quattro Sport manual	£28,300
2.0 TDI quattro S line manual	£30,290
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition manual	£31,540
2.0 TDI quattro Sport S tronic	£29,795
2.0 TDI quattro S line S tronic	£31,785
2.0 TDI quattro Black Edition S tronic	£33,035

TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI manual	£35,605
TTS Coupe 2.0 TFSI S tronic	£37,085
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI manual	£36,855
TTS Coupe Black Edition 2.0 TFSI S tronic	£38,335

TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI manual	£45,840
TT RS Coupe 2.5 TFSI S tronic	£47,185

Source: Audi

October 13, 2011

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer [teaser]

Chevrolet has revealed the first teaser image of the 2013 TrailBlazer. The SUV will have its debut at the Dubai International Motor Show.

The first TrailBlazer was produced back in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, it was upgraded to a new platform – GMT360 for 5 passenger models, GMT370 for 7 passenger, and GMT305 for the Envoy XUV.

The new TrailBlazer is based on Chevrolet Colorado Concept, which was introduced in March this year.

Colorado Concept boasts big grille, polished aluminum accents and LED headlights. There are also an extended-cab, a body-color tonneau cover and 20” alloy wheels with Cooper Zeon off-road tires.

The interior comes with a motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster, leather seats, dark wood trim, and chrome accents. There are also a dual-zone climate control system and a multimedia system with a 7” touchscreen display.

2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will hit the market in the beginning of the next year.
”] 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer [teaser]

Source: GM

October 13, 2011

Fisker Karma auctioned for £140 000

Fisker Karma was sold at a charity auction held in Camden’s famous Round House performing arts venue. The price was £140 000 for the very first Fisker Karma to be offered for sale in the United Kingdom.

Fisker Karma is powered by 408PS (300 kW) hybrid system. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and the fuel consumption is just 2.4 liters per 100 km, which is 100 mpg and emissions of 83 g/km of CO2. The top speed is 201 km/h (125 mph).

The car has two drive modes: Stealth and Sport. In Stealth Mode the efficiency is maximized, while in sport you’ll feel the full power of the beautiful vehicle.

Fisker Automotive’s engineering team designed the Karma’s space frame around the car’s unique powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process. Benefitting from four-wheel independent SLA (double-wishbone) suspension that also employs aluminum components, the Karma has been specifically tuned to run on standard 22” aluminum wheels, a first for a production car.

Pratham UK is an overseas chapter of the children’s charity founded in Mumbai by UNICEF in 1994. Its mission is to ensure that every child in India has the opportunity to attend school and receive an education. Since its inception, the organisation has helped over 36 million Indian children with its literacy campaign.

Source: Fisker

October 13, 2011

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Hennessey has revealed a limited edition HPE650 Camaro especially for their 20^th anniversary. The tuning specialists have been modifying vehicles for two decades and they have decided to create something amazing.

In this case it is tuned Chevy Camaro coming with a body kit including a CarbonAero front splitter and new side skirts. There is some exterior badging, too and of course a black metallic paint. The stance is improved by installing a lowered coilover suspension as the car is standing on monoblock alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior boasts embroidered headrests, special floor mats and an individually-numbered plaque for each model.

HPE650 Camaro is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 664PS (488 kW), which means only 3.7 seconds to 60 mph and a ¼ mile in 11.7 seconds with 196 km/h (122 mph) terminal speed.

Only twenty units will be produced as each starts at $79 500 for the coupe and $84 500 for the convertible.

Check out the full specification, below!

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro

Hennessey 20th Anniversary HPE650 Supercharged Camaro Engine

Vehicle Specifications:

• 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS
• Coupe or Convertible
• 6 Speed Manual or Automatic Transmission
• Black Exterior
• Black Leather Interior

Performance:

• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 11.7 @ 122 mph

Power:

• 655 bhp @ 6,300 rpm

The 20th Anniversary HPE650 Camaro Includes:

• TVS2300 Supercharger System (Black or Chrome)
• HPE Air Induction System
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• HPE650 Camshaft Upgrade
• Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers
• High Flow Catalytic Converters
• Stainless Steel Mid-Pipes
• High Flow Fuel Injector Upgrade
• 160 Degree Thermostat
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Lowered Coilover Supsension System (1 inch)
• CarbonAero Front Splitter and Side Skirts
• Hennessey Monoblock Wheels (Chrome or Silver Finish)
• Hennessey HPE650 Exterior Badging
• Hennessey 20th Anniversary Edition – Serial Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• Hennessey 20th Anniversary Edition Floor Mats
• Hennessey Embroidered Headrests
• HPE Modified Engine Cover
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Source: Hennessey

October 12, 2011

Schmidt Revolution Porsche Cayenne II

Schmidt Revolution has introduced their tuning program for Porsche Cayenne.

However, it consists of a huge wheels in dimensions 10J × 22” for the rims and 295/30 R22 snow tires. The tuning company will also fully prepare your car for the harsh winter testing.

A very interesting winter SUV is the diesel powered Cayenne II, which has a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 240PS (180 kW) and 550Nm (410 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is nice – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph). The vehicle achieves up to 39 mpg on combined cycle.

The engine received a new turbocharger, a revamp of the injection system and enhanced thermal management. The weight of Cayenne II Diesel has dropped to 2080kg.

All these improvements make diesel powered Cayenne a perfect solution for winter conditions.

Source: Schmidt Revolution

October 12, 2011

Tuningwerk BMW 7-Series 760iL

BMW 7-Series 760iL received a serious upgrade package from the German specialists – Tuningwerk. The long wheelbase version of the model is boosted to whopping 720PS (530 kW) and 1090Nm (804 lb-ft) of torque.

The performance is rather impressive – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph). More is better, but in terms of power, but the weight has been reduced for maximum performance.

The huge car is 120 kg lighter than the original version thanks to some carbon fiber parts including lightweight carbon-ceramic brakes and a new sport exhaust system. The total weight of the car is 2030 kg.

The price is hefty, too. Tuningwerk BMW 7-Series 760iL costs €198 000, which is decent for such comfort and speed. This is the fastest full-size luxury car on the planet.

Source: Tuningwerk

October 12, 2011

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be exhibited at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, next month. When it goes on sale in late 2012, it will deliver more performance and technology than many exotic cars and ultra-luxury convertibles.

“The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

“This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.”, he added.

ZL1 Convertible is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 588PS (432 kW) and 754Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. This is an improvement of just 11PS and 9Nm over ZL1 Coupe.

Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. They include:

A tower-to-tower brace under the hood

A transmission support reinforcement brace

Underbody tunnel brace

Front “X” brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody “V” braces.

The suspension of the ZL1 convertible uses the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. New, twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners enable faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1 000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

The Camaro ZL1 convertible will also offer Performance Traction Management as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, it is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance both launch-acceleration performance and corning.

In one word, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is simply amazing.

Source: Chevrolet

October 12, 2011

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