Wednesday 28 November 2012

Concept: GT version from the nearest Kia Pro Cee'd


The Kia Pro Cee'd will next year offer a GT variant and thus integrate the sports segment something more. According to initial information could get missed a three-door 1.6-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and ascend with a six-speed manual transmission.

The second generation of the Pro Cee'd the Koreans bring in the spring of next year to Europe. The GT version is planned for the second half of 2013. This one has both technical innovations and adequate comfort even thought of in terms of a proper equipment transmission, suspension and engine package including one made ​​use of the Cee'd and Cee'd Sports Wagon.
In length, width and wheelbase of the next Pro Cee'd measures as much as its predecessor (4.31 x 1.78 x 2.65 m). This is the roof has been reduced by three centimeters, and the B-pillar is shifting by 22 inches to the rear. Particularly stand out in terms of design, the side panel behind the B-and C-pillars and the tailgate and the rear lights.

photo: © Kia

Caractere Exclusive: tuning package for the Porsche 911


In Las Vegas, Caractere Exclusive has taken the world's biggest tuning show SEMA to the occasion and unveiled its package for the Porsche 911 series of the 991st This includes an Aerokit of PU parts for the front and rear aprons, side skirts and rear spoiler fixed. The latter is supposed to provide more grip on the road and additional drive.

Three-piece wheels are optional two-tone finish in sizes 20 or 21 inches so. Caractere Exclusive controls further with a sports exhaust system, which includes a throttle control. Prices for the full package were not disclosed.



photo: © Caractere Exclusive

VW Passat CC with 502 hp


The VW (Passat) CC is a nice car: sporty design, yet discreet and with a certain upper-class claim. The only problem with a maximum of 300 hp V6 in the unfortunately completely underpowered. But the dilemma is over, the savior is MR Car Design.

After extensive HGP-turbo treatment and various modifications to the exhaust system now adequate 502 hp and 700 Nm, max. Torque at leisure.

In addition to a DDC coilover (with motorized damper system for DCC chassis) made ​​by KW, the Comfort Coupe is equipped with a wheel and tire combination with a difference: In fine Ultraleggera rims size 8 × 18 ET35 OZ was reared in 235/40-18 tires.
Naturally, the braking system has been adapted to the new power relationships. So on the front axle brakes Stoptech ST-40 do with grooved 355 x 32 mm discs, including their valves Stahlbus snappy service. At the rear axle, however EBC Brakes act in combination with steel braided and also Stahlbus valves. H & R front and rear anti-roll bars have been installed for more precise turn-in. Finally we had the CC in order to best optimize the driving dynamics - let even one wheel load wheel alignment endured.

[Photos: Jordi Miranda, MR Car Design]

Sunday 18 November 2012

Jaguar Speedboat Concept


After the prestigious car brands Audi, Ferrari, Porsche and others who have lent their names to the development of a luxury yacht, here it is the turn of Jaguar imagine an ad that includes car and yacht large luxury.

Here it is not the production of a vessel carrying the Jaguar emblem, but rather a marketing approach, idealized by the chief designer Ian Callum, demonstrating the complicity between the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake and Lifestyle approach to the target audience, this model type shooting brake.

To do this, Jaguar has partnered with companies Seventy Seven Design and Naval Architecture & Ivan Erdevicki Yacht Design.

Speedboat design refers to some classical models of the British brand, the Jaguar D type designed for the race, which was produced between the years 1954 and 1957.
The Speedboat has:
- A shell fiberglass;
- A natural teak deck;
- A fin inspired by the Jaguar D Type;
- A propeller made ​​in polished aluminum;
- The fuel cap borrowed from those of the Jaguar XJ;
- A cabin red sports car Jaguar recalling certain.

In the end, it is a study of style should not give life to a yacht bearing the signature Jaguar.

Photo : © Jaguar 

BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2013

Currently, the North American market, BMW M has a variation in its range of 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X5 and X6.

On its model range 6 Series, it was appropriate models coupes and convertibles, can receive a printed scratched by the letter M.

The specialty of the division of BMW M Sport models is to design the most attractive style, powered by engines more powerful.

The most powerful
Thus, M6 coupes and convertibles are powered by a turbocharged V8 engine spirited 4.4-liter, which delivers a power of 560 hp and a torque of 500 lb-ft. Everything is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The base engine of the BMW 6 Series is a 4.4-liter V8 turbo 407 horses while the 650i Gran Coupe sees its power switch to 445 hp.
The next year, the alluring BMW Gran Coupe will also be sold M6 version.

Photos : © BMW

Thursday 15 November 2012

Audi A3 Sportback


About the new sprout from Ingolstadt, we have already reported sufficiently. Now, the Audi A3 will be upgraded to the Sportback, which is expressed mainly in an ultra-lightweight technology that makes its predecessor some 90 kg lighter. The variant with 1.4 TFSI is thus only 1205 kg heavy. In addition, the 5-door model in comparison to the three-door between the axles is 35 mm longer.

The interior reveals a audi-typical and elegant line and a good view on the instrument panel with a curved front. Through the seats is a good lateral support given and the longer wheelbase (58 mm longer) provides enough room for three adults in the back seat. For the head and legroom a few millimeters longer available. The handbrake lever has been replaced by the electromechanical parking brake, as seen on the larger models. In the trunk now 380 liters load volume are given, which can be by folding down the rear seats to increase up to 1220 liters.
The Audi A3 Sportback will initially be the same engines as the three-door. The selection includes two turbocharged gasoline engines with 1.4 and 1.8-liter and 122 or 180 hp. In addition, a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 150 horsepower joined (later also 184 hp). Those who would like to sparingly, can later rely on the efficient 1.6-liter diesel. Two 1.2-liter turbo gasoline engine with 105 hp and stroke and stroke and 1.4-liter 140 PS will follow.


Photo : Audi

Monday 12 November 2012

Land Rover: more than 16 different models


Since Land Rover fell under the yoke of Tata, sales have continued to grow, while the evolution of its various ranges could enjoy the same momentum.

Today, there are models:
- Defender;
- Freelander 2 (LR2);
- Discovery 4 (LR4);
- Range Rover Evoque;
- Range Rover Sport;
- Range Rover.

In North America, the Defender models are not available.

Evolving
The British brand is booming, and on all world markets, plans to offer at least 16 different models by 2020.
This was told Autocar magazine, the chief designer Gerry McGovern Land Rover.

Among these projects, we find:
- The Range Rover Evoque cabriolet;
- SUV positioned between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport;
- Model Defender completely revised and redesigned;
- An SUV more compact than the Freelander 2 (LR2).

This is the only way for this brand, if it wants to maintain and seriously compete with German manufacturers: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz still hold the upper hand in the luxury SUV segment.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 2014 Black Series version


The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has received its first facelift, will eventually be available declination Black Series for the 2014 model year.

The Black Series
In this constructor, all designated car Black Series receives aesthetic appeal announcing the aggressiveness of the car. To this are added sport wheels black 20".

It is the same for the interior that welcomes lightweight sports seats and a center console in carbon.

From 583 to 622 hp
The gleaming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, used to propel better, the same engine found under the hood of the long entry level models.
This block air is a powerful 6.2-liter V8 that develops a force of 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft.

According to the manufacturer, the gullwing coupe from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed stands at 315 km / h.
In this range, which currently includes the coupe and convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is positioned between these two models and the version for GT3 race track.
This beautiful car will enter dealerships in the summer of 2013.

Photo ©  Mercedes-Benz

Friday 9 November 2012

Maserati Quattroporte 2013


The future Maserati Quattroporte will be officially unveiled in January at the Salon International Motor Show in Detroit.

Today, the Italian manufacturer presents the first official pictures of its luxury sedan.

The changes that are needed
Maserati Quattroporte 2013 is the longest and most significantly slimmer. This gives it a much nicer figure, which will necessarily allow it to compete with much more insurance against other prestige sedans, including the cars manufactured in Germany.

Although the size of the next Quattroporte is raised, the car announces a reduced weight of 200 kilos.
Maserati, it also took the opportunity to redesign the entire interior of the sedan by giving it a new dashboard that will receive the most advanced technologies of telematics.

The most important changes
As is often the case with European manufacturers of luxury vehicles, the main changes can be found on their new resident often under the hood. And the future Maserati Quattroporte is no exception to this basic rule.
Thus, it will inherit a V8 engine Ferrari's engineers reworked by the Maserati.

Biturbo mill which the force be around 530 horsepower.

Photo : Maserati

Audi Q9: it will dominate the segment


If you find that the Audi Q7 with its overall length of 5089 mm is a vehicle too big for nothing, you know that the German automaker is considering seriously to make a vehicle even larger, which will face the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL.

Moreover, the popularity of the great Mercedes-Benz GL can not be foreign to the decision to Audi to see larger than its Q7 model.

The next year, Audi Q7 proceed replacement of the arrival of a new version that want lighter, thanks to extensive use of aluminum. A specialty manufacturer of the rings, which began in 1994 with the release of its large sedan A8.
It is from this new generation of massive Audi Q7 that will be built the impressive Audi Q9.

There is also a good chance that the SUV could inherit developing a trapezoidal grille, more visible than the Q7 model to come.

If the next Q7 to happen in 2013 as SUV model year 2014, one can easily imagine that the theatrical release of Q9 should follow a few months.

By 2016, Audi should offer no less than nine different SUV: Q9, Q7, Q5, Q3 and Q1. To these, will add the Q8, Q6, Q4 and Q2 resuming the elevated style of cut.

All these models, the most impressive will be sold in North America and China, while Europe will remain the largest market for smaller models.

photo : Audi

2014 Kia ​​Cadenza New Version


The South Korean manufacturer Kia has introduced to the world press his Cadenza sedan, whose body has received some cosmetic changes.

This new sedan, called K7 in South Korea, will replace the Opirus model, best known as the home of Amanti, which was sold between 2003 and 2009.

Amanti of the Cadenza

The Kia Opirus / Amanti was regarded as vis-à-vis the Hyundai Azera in our market are two cars that did not measure up to the competition, but this time, we move to a much higher caliber with this newcomer.
Aesthetically, a whole world of difference between these two cars. However, the Opirus / Amanti featured a silhouette of the mundane as the Cadenza shows a new style and more mature for a sedan that will face the tenor of this niche: Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and other.

Several cosmetic changes
Before the arrival on the world markets of the Kia Cadenza, the chief designer, Peter Schreyer took him to make some alterations around the body, including:

grille called "tiger nose".
a cover more rounded.
redesigned headlights and more slender.
the bumpers more appealing.
louvers Fender-mounted at the front.
sidelights redesigned.
More generous than the Optima
Currently, it is the Kia Optima sedan that serves as the flagship brand in South Korea. A title it will lose with the arrival of the Cadenza.

Driving the Azera
Kia Cadenza is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that develops 290 horsepower. The same used by his cousin, the Hyundai Azera. It is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

photo : Kia

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Mini Countryman 2013


Almost two years after its launch, the Mini Countryman is already entitled to a small update.

Alterations which are mainly inside the vehicle.

By far, the main change is the addition of versions with rear seat, which now enables the Countryman to accommodate up to five passengers.

Fortunately, models with individual rear seats remain in the catalog.

In addition to these changes include:
against the door completely redesigned;
commands windows that migrate into the driver's door;
new contours for the central instrumentation and aerators.
The same mechanical
The Mini Countryman is offered in three versions, each with its own engine:
Countryman: 4-cylinder 1.6-liter 121 horsepower;
Countryman S: 4 cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged 181 horsepower;
Countryman JCW: 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged 208 horsepower.

Lotus Evora IPS automatic gearbox


Scandal! some will cry, about the Lotus equipped with a automatic transmission, while in reality it is a wise decision from the small British manufacturer who wishes thereby expand its customer base.

For 2013, the Lotus Evora and Evora S  offer a small fee of $ 3,400, a new six-speed automatic transmission IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift).

Technologically, this transmission developed by Toyota includes paddles located behind the steering wheel allow the driver to change gears in manual mode.

To this is added a Sport mode to enjoy sharper acceleration.
Engines of the Lotus Evora:
- Aspirated V6 3.5-liter 276 horsepower (Evora).
- V6 turbocharged 3.5-liter 345 horsepower (Evora S).

The sports coupe 2 +2 configuration is associated series, a six-speed manual gearbox.
It accelerates from 0-100 km / h.
- 5.0 seconds for the Evora manual gearbox.
- 5.2 seconds for the Evora automatic transmission.
- 4.6 seconds for the Evora S manual gearbox .
- 4.7 seconds for the Evora S automatic gearbox.

Photo : Lotus