Automobiles Review – Page 996 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Piecha Design Mercedes SL R230

Piecha Design has unveiled their tuning package for the famous Mercedes-Benz SL R230. The roadster is in its eleventh year of production, which means a lot. However, it need a little more style and the tuner specialists offer it.

The exterior package includes a new front bumper, LED daytime running lights, a restyled rear bumper with diffuser housing a four-tailpipe stainless steel sport exhaust system.

The ride is lowered by 30mm and sits on enormous 20” alloy wheels fitted with 255/30 R20 for the front, and 305/25 R20 for the rear.

Piecha also installed a power converter and a revised roof module. It allows the driver to open or close the roof at speeds up to 60 km/h.

PIECHA MP1 monoblock wheel rims:

9.5J x 20″ – 420 Euro (per piece)
11.0J x 20″ – 520 Euro (per piece)

The result: Good can still be improved! As usual, PIECHA Design presents a plethora of interesting tuning components for the R230-series SL, every single one of them matching the car body lines of the cult roadsters in unparalleled perfection.

Piecha Design Mercedes SL R230 FrontSide

Source: Piecha Design

August 18, 2011

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

Mercedes-Benz has announced the new 2012 SLK 250 CDI offering unique feelings at decent price and don’t mean the car. The roadster combines good performance and low fuel consumption.

The new SLK 250 CDI is powered by a 2.2 liter turbo-diesel with 204PS (150 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft), which are enough to catapult the car to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and another important discipline – 80 to 120 km/h is covered in 4.3 seconds. The top speed is 243 km/h. Great!

Still, the engine is not thirsty at all – 4.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle and emissions as low as 128 g/km of CO2.

2012 SLK 250 CDI comes with 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard.

The diesel SLK combines thoroughbred sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact. This guarantees great driving pleasure with great fuel efficiency.

It is available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof. One of them is the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.

There are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system.

The latter is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake developed by Mercedes-Benz for particularly agile and predictable handling characteristics.

Of course, all this style has a price and it is not low at all – €41 828. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI hits the market from September 13.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 17, 2011

2011 Cadillac ELR

2011 Cadillac ELR will actually go on sale. The car is based on the Converj Concept, which was introduced back in the beginning of 2009.

The production vehicle will have electric motor with extended range. The Voltec powertrain consisting of a T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric motor and a four-cylinder engine will deliver nice moments behind the steering wheel.

“The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing.

“Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.”, he added.

“There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,”, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Source: GM

August 17, 2011

Venom GT Price – $950 000

Venom GT will hit the US market, but you’d better hurry up, because Hennessey is planning to produce just five units annually. The car is exhibited at the McCall Motorworks Revival.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to show the Venom GT to our friends and fellow enthusiasts at what has become one of the biggest and best car enthusiast events in the world,” says CEO, Don Goldman.

“Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival combines serious car enthusiasts, world-class cars and aircraft, all in one fantastic party.”, he added.

Venom GT is based on Lotus Exige, but with enormous twin-turbo 6.2 liter V8 with whopping 1217PS (895 kW) and 1564Nm (1155 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 6-speed Ricardo manual gearbox. The car weighs just 1220kg (2585 lbs), so the performance is more like a level 5 twister. 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 443 km/h (275 mph) – theoretically of course.

“Twelve hundred horsepower combined with in a mid-engine chassis that weighs twelve hundred kilos (2,685 lbs) – no other road car and only a handful of race cars can match the power to weight ratio of the Venom GT,” added HPE president and founder, John Hennessey.

“It is a driver’s car, a supercar with a soul that will give you as much speed and performance as you dare ask of it”., he finished.

The price is as brutal as the car itself – $950 000.

Source: Hennessey

August 17, 2011

Audi Urban Concept Spyder

After the images of Audi Urban concept, the manufacturer has released some teasers of Spyder variant of innovative electric-powered concept. Both models will be exhibited at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next month (September 17-25).

The concepts are featuring forward-urging lines, free-standing 21” wheels and protective surrounding plates incorporating strips of “blinking” LED lights . The Spyder comes with low, continuous window area and its doors that open upwards diagonally.

The interior is sporty, low-slung seats for two occupants. Each seat is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) offering maximum durability and low weight. Furthermore, the driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals for his or her own driving position.

Two e-tron electric motors provide all power that the concepts need to catapult forward. A lithium-ion battery pack supplies the energy, which is enough for long city tours.

Source: Audi

August 17, 2011

Jaguar C-X16 [sketch]

Jaguar has published a sketch of the C-X16 production concept, which will make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

The vehicle follows the nice lines of XJ,XF and XK, but it will be a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

“Great Jaguars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, to excite and invigorate.”, saide Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars.

“Jaguar has set in place bold, ambitious plans for the future. This production concept demonstrates the depth of design and engineering ability we have within Jaguar to make these plans come to life – I look forward to sharing this latest, exciting step at the Frankfurt Motor Show.”, Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars finished.

Source: Jaguar

August 17, 2011

2012 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive vs. E-bike

2012 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive gives unique zero-emission driving pleasure. What is more, the small city car will soon be available worldwide and that’s not everything. The EV will come along with its new ebike. Great idea, in case you ran out of electricity, which happens very often with these vehicles.

The new ForTwo ED is powered by a 55kW (75PS) electric motor, which gives top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and 0 to 100 km/h in around 13 seconds. The Li-ion battery pack has a capacity of 17.6 kWh, which means a range of up to 140 km (87 miles) in the city. Still, we don’t believe that and you should get the bike, too.

“The smart fortwo has exceeded itself. It has always been a pioneer of urban mobility and with the new electric drive it is once again setting standards with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility,” said Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart.

“With the new generation the frequently cited “electric era” has finally arrived.”, she added.

2012 Smart ForTwo ED will make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motorshow and will hit the market in the beginning of the next year. The interesting ebike will hit the market in 2012, too. Just in time to buy it with the electric Smart. As you may suggest, it is not an ordinary bike… it has a small 250 WATT electric motor mounted on the rear wheel with a 0.4 kW battery pack. So, if you can’t get to your destination with the electric Smart, you will eventually use electric bike and if this doesn’t work, too… Just go on foot!

The ebike is priced at €2 900.

2012 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive FrontSide

A comparison of the two smart fortwo electric drive generations

	Second generation	Third generation
Production volume	> 2000 vehicles	Five-figure production volume
Availability	18 markets	More than 30 markets
Output	20 kW constant 30 kW peak	35 kW constant 55 kW peak
Max. speed	100 km/h	> 120 km/h
Acceleration 0 – 60 km/h	6.5 s	5 s
Battery	Lithium-ion battery from Tesla	Lithium-ion battery from Deutsche ACCUmotive

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 16, 2011

2012 Honda Fit

2012 Honda Fit comes with redesigned exterior, some interior upgrades and a lot of extras.

The exterior includes a new front bumper, a new grille, darkened headlights and an interesting finish for the alloy wheels, which replaces the normal paint finish.

The interior boasts dark metallic dashboard elements, new chrome accents and of course console-mounted center beverage holders, because this is “the most” important in the car.

2012 Fit is available with two new colors – Blue Raspberry Metallic and Orangeburst Metallic.

The engine is 1.5 liter i-Vtec with 117PS (86 kW) at 6600RPM and 143Nm (106 lb-ft) at 4800RPM. It returns 31 mpg on combined cycle, when is paired to automatic gearbox. The manual version has slightly lower result – 29 mpg.

2012 Honda Fit comes with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), ABS (anti-lock brakes), dual-stage multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags.

The standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a 160 Watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers, a USB audio interface4, an AUX audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), power windows, power mirrors, power door locks and a security system.

2012 Fit Sport comes with alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls and upgraded seat fabric.

Source: Honda

August 16, 2011

BMW X5/X6 Individual

BMW will offer even better options for the exclusive X5 and X6 models. The big vehicles can be ordered with new exterior colours and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels. Both models will be available as Exclusive Edition models.

Both will hit the market this fall as the BMW X5 xDrive30d will also be available with BMW BluePerformance technology meeting the EURO 6 regulations. It averages 7.4 liters per 100km and 195 g/km of CO2.

The latest additions to the range of optional equipment and the BMW Individual package will be introduced simultaneously for the BMW X5 and the BMW X6.

The BMW Individual interior trim sets distinctive new accents with its black patterned leather. BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim is also now available in Amaro Brown. For even more driving excitement, the BMW X5 Sport Package includes the new M leather steering wheel with integrated gearshift paddles.

Another additional option for the Exclusive Edition are new 20-inch light alloy wheels with Y spoke styling.

Stay tuned for more information and price list!

Source: BMW

August 16, 2011

Skoda Octavia vRS – 320 km/h on Bonneville

A super tuned version of Skoda Octavia vRS has crossed the 200 mph barrier at the Bonneville Speed Week (13-20). The car achieved an impressive 195.69 mph on its first run of the day and on the sixth, it made 202.15 mph.

Driven by journalist Richard Meaden, the Octavia had demonstrated its potential on Sunday (14 August) as it powered its way to 191 mph securing all four speed licenses required before heading to the magical 200 mph barrier.

“Months of rigorous planning, testing and preparation have all been worthwhile. At 13:24 on Monday 15th August, we took our Octavia vRS past the 200 mph barrier. The entire team has done an outstanding job. Our special thanks go to Richard on an incredible drive.”, commented Robert Hazelwood, Director for SKODA UK.

“This marks another exciting milestone in the brand’s motorsport achievements and is a great way to celebrate 10 years of the vRS range and commemorate 110 years of ŠKODA’s participation in motorsport.”, he added.

The engine is the same 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol TSI, but with enormous turbo from Garret. The result is 600PS at 28 PSI of boost pressure (almost 2 bars) with 120 RON high octane race control fuel with water methanol injection.

Source: Skoda

August 16, 2011

2012 Hyundai i20 Blue

Hyundai has announced its new superefficient 2012 i20 Blue. This is the second car in sub-100g/km CO₂ model range. After the i10 Blue, i20 Blue boasts 98g/km of CO2 and it is the lowest emitting vehicle in Hyundai UK’s product line-up.

The i20 Blue is based on the model with Comfort trim level powered by a 1.4 liter CRDi delivering 90PS. The model has several Blue Drive technologies including Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling resistance tyres, rear suspension under cover and rear wheel deflector. The car achieves a 12% reduction in CO₂ emissions from 111g/km down to just 98g/km.

The engine meets EURO 5 regulations and achieves 76.4mpg on combined cycle. This is a 14% improvement on a combined cycle when compared to the i20 1.4 CRDi 90PS Style model.

Standard extras are 15” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, electric heated and folding door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, steering wheel audio controls, USB and aux connections air conditioning and remote central locking.

2012 Hyundai i20 Blue is priced at £13 195 OTR.

Source: Hyundai

August 16, 2011

Senner Audi Q5

Senner Tuning has announced its tuning program for the Q5.

Senner Audi Q5 is finished in red and brown metallic. The vehicle also comes with a black NSW radiator grill, roof edging, rear bumper that is lacquered to match the colour of the car and gas exhaustion pipes in the left and in the right.

The performance is more than satisfying – 213PS (157 kW) and 445Nm (330 lb-ft) of torque from the 2.0 litre four-cylinder TDI engine. The results are thanks to a CAI, sport exhaust system and an ECU re-map. The stopping power is granted by Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front with 380mm discs.

The vehicle stands on huge Corniche Monza rims in Polish variant Diamond Black. The dimensions are 10J x 22” and they are fitted with Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta SUV tires 265/35 R22.

The interior includes door hands, upholstery of the doors, console, control panel and the frame of the monitor produced by Ingelheim. Senner-Tuning logo is all over the carpets. The arm pad between the seats, the covering of speedometer, door hands and the steering wheel are decorated in leather with orange stitching.

Source: Senner Tuning

August 15, 2011

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