Harald Wester, Maserati CEO, used the launch of the Maserati Quattroporte V6 to explain that the sources indicating his company was developing its own version of the LaFerrari were far from the truth.
The unnoficial information was based on the fact that Maserati created the MC12 in the past, its own incarnation of the Ferrari Enzo. Back then, the Italians made two version of the car, one for the street and one destined exclusively for the racing world.
Nevertheless, Maserati’s CEO confirmed that the carmaker will offer limited edtion models in the future, but he didn’t offer any details
Audi R8 E-Tron Spotted Testing In Spain Amid Rumors Of Cancellation
Many news outlets have speculated that Audi's R8 E-Tron is dead. Audi themselves seemed to confirm the program's cancelation, but recent spy photos would suggest otherwise. The all-electric R8 was spotted testing in Spain earlier this week.
There is no doubt that the price will be higher than the gas version of the R8, but range and power remain a mystery. Audi hasn't announced any official specs--though, the electric super car has already proven itself worthy of the Nürburgring
Let's hope those rumors of the R8 E-Tron's cancellation were false. After all, it doesn't make sense for Audi promote the car with the next Iron Man movie and then drop it from their lineup. Perhaps the video below is proof that Audi is still on top of it.
Let's hope those rumors of the R8 E-Tron's cancellation were false. After all, it doesn't make sense for Audi promote the car with the next Iron Man movie and then drop it from their lineup. Perhaps the video below is proof that Audi is still on top of it.
The fastest cars in the world:
Incredible to think that the Jaguar XJ220 turned 20 years’ old last year, yet still ranks amongst the fastest cars the world has ever seen.
Famously powered by a version of the twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that was used in both the Metro 6R4 rally car and the Jaguar XJR10/11 racing cars, with a (213mph) 342 kph top speed achieved in testing, the Bugatti EB110 was the only contemporary that ever claimed to match i
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
· Dimension & Weights
Overall Length
|
4355mm
|
Overall Width
|
2120mm
|
Overall Height
|
1635mm
|
Wheel Base
|
2660mm
|
Ground Clearance
|
215mm
|
Boot Space
|
575Liters
|
Kerb Weight
|
1675Kg
|
· Engine
Torque
|
420 Nm @ 1750 rpm
|
Displacement
|
2179cc
|
Power
|
190PS @ 3500 rpm
|
Valve Mechanism
|
DOHC
|
No of Cylinders
|
4
|
Cylinder Configuration
|
In-Line
|
Valves per Cylinder
|
4
|
· Steering
Minimum Turning Radius
|
5.7m
|
Steering Type
|
EPS
|
· Capacity
Fuel Tank Capacity
|
60Liters
|
Seating Capacity
|
5
|
· Fuel Efficiency
Mileage Highway
|
N/A
|
Mileage City
|
N/A
|
Mileage Overall
|
N/A
|
· Transmission
Transmission Type
|
Automatic
|
Gears Speeds
|
6
|
· Suspension
Rear Suspension
|
N/A
|
Front Suspension
|
N/A
|
· Brakes
Rear Brakes
|
N/A
|
Front Brakes
|
N/A
|
· Wheels & Tyres
Tyres
|
N/A
|
Wheel Size
|
N/A
|
Wheel Type
|
Alloys
|
Maserati GranTurismo
Dimension & Weights
Overall Length
|
4881
|
Overall Width
| |
Overall Height
|
1353
|
Wheel Base
|
2942
|
Ground Clearance
|
100
|
Boot Space
| |
Kerb Weight
|
1880
|
No of Doors
|
2
|
Engine
Displacement
|
4691
|
Power
| |
Torque
| |
Valve Mechanism
|
DOHC
|
Compression Ratio
| |
No of Cylinders
|
8
|
Cylinder Configuration
|
V
|
Valves per Cylender
|
4
|
Fuel Type
|
Petrol
|
Recommended Fuel
| |
EmissionNorm Compliance
|
Steering
Steering Type
|
EPS
|
Power Assisted
| |
Minimum Turning Radius
|
5.3
|
Capacity
Seating Capacity
|
4
|
Fuel Tank Capacity
|
86
|
Fuel Efficiency
Mileage (ARAI specified)
|
0
|
Performance
Top Speed
| |
0 to 60
|
0
|
0 to 100
| |
60 to 100
|
0
|
Transmission
Transmission Type
| |
Gears/Speeds
|
Suspensions
Front Suspension
|
Wishbone
|
Rear Suspension
|
Wishbone
|
Brakes
Front Brakes
|
Ventilated Disc
|
Rear Brakes
|
Ventilated Disc
|
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander: 468,700 Units Recalled Due to Rollaway Risk
Chrysler is recalling no less than 469,000 examples of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander due to a rollaway risk. The problem is a transfer case electrical failure, which can allow the vehicle to shift into neutral on its own.
The affected units include the 2005-2010 Grand Cherokee and the 2006-2010 Commander. Chrysler is set to notify owners all over the world, as the campaign includes vehicles on multiple markets. The company’s dealers will reflash the final drive controller free of charge. As for the recall itself, this is expected to debut in June.
The affected units include the 2005-2010 Grand Cherokee and the 2006-2010 Commander. Chrysler is set to notify owners all over the world, as the campaign includes vehicles on multiple markets. The company’s dealers will reflash the final drive controller free of charge. As for the recall itself, this is expected to debut in June.
If you happen to own one of the affected vehicles, you can contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753, with the recall number being N23. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
2014 BMW M5 Facelift (LCI) Leaked via Configurator
We’re a bit tired of giving you leaked information and images of the 2014 Mercedes S-Class, so we though we’d make a little change, switching to the 2014 BMW M5 facelift.
The M5 is set to receive a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) along with the rest of the 5 Series range and it seems that the go-fast sedan’s configurator was placed online a bit too early. As usual, the car was removed, but, as they say, some things can not be unseen, especially after the screenshot feature has been used.
The M5 is set to receive a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) along with the rest of the 5 Series range and it seems that the go-fast sedan’s configurator was placed online a bit too early. As usual, the car was removed, but, as they say, some things can not be unseen, especially after the screenshot feature has been used.
As BMW has accustomed us, the exterior and interior changes are limited. Thus, the kidney grille now features heftier vertical lines which remind us of those used on the M6. The front and rear lights also receive minor tweaks that offer a sleeker appearance.
Inside the 2014 BMW M5, we find the new iDrive touch interface, while you can also order a new M Sport steering wheel.
As for the tech side of the revamped M5, earlier rumors show that BMW will offer am optional Competition Package, which will bring the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from 560 to 575 hp. Along with the power boost, the kit will include new settings for the M Dynamic driving mode, dedicated 20-inch wheels, as well as suspension tweaks.
The 2014 BMW M5 is scheduled to hit the market later this year, with a price of €103,000 ($134,000). The vehicle shown here comes with the Carbon Ceramic Brakes that are a €8,800 ($11,450) optional extra.
McLaren Confirms Successor for P1
While McLaren’s Formula One staff is busy preparing the joint effort with Honda for the 2015 season, the company’s road car developers aren’t shy with providing news either.
McLaren’s head of sales and marketing, Greg Levine, recently said that the company will release a successor for the P1 hypercar, but this will arrive one decade from now at the earliest.
McLaren’s head of sales and marketing, Greg Levine, recently said that the company will release a successor for the P1 hypercar, but this will arrive one decade from now at the earliest.
“The only way a car like the P1 works is by being exclusive and having a short product cycle. After that, you have to step back from the market for a few years. These sort of launches can only happen every ten years or so,” the executive told autocar.
McLaren is set to give birth to 375 units of the P1 and the company has already found customers for three quarters of the production run.
In case you’re worried about McLaren not offering us anything to drive for at least ten years, we’ll remind you that the company is preparing a model that will be slotted under the MP4-12C supercar.
Audi R8 V10 Facelift Receives 600 HP from ABT
ABT has gotten its hands on the R8 V10 facelift and the company has today shared the result of its work with us. As expected, Audi’s refreshed supercar has received both technical and visual upgrades.
The 5.2-liter V10 at the center of the supercar now delivers 600 hp and a peak torque of lb-ft (550 Nm). On the road, this is translated into a 0 to 62 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h).
Between the Audi R8 and the road, we find a set of ABT springs that lower the vehicle, while the 2013 Audi R8 V10 also gets coilovers. In addition, the vehicle rides on CR or ER-F ABT wheels that come in a size of 9x19-inch up front and 11x19-inch at the back. These use 235/35 and 305/30 rubber, respectively.
ABT’s Audi R8 also gets a set of carbon fiber body elements. This includes a front and rear aprons, side skirts, as well as a fixed rear wing.
Jaguar Plans 200 C-X75 Plug-In Hybrids
Jaguar is building five C-X75 plug-in hybrid electric hypercars to validate its performance target. If they're satisfactory, says Bob Joyce, Jaguar Land Rover's group engineering director, the project will get the green light. "The business wants to put this car into volume production but it has to meet all its targets for positioning and price," Joyce said to Motor Trend at a powertrain demonstration. Projected price is "£700-900,000 ($1.1-1.4 million) plus local taxes," and it would go on sale about 2014. The business case calls for 200 units sold. In contrast, Porsche is aiming for 918 examples of its 918 Spyder, at [euro] 645,000 ($800K) plus tax.
Joyce says he isn't especially worried about Jaguar meeting its targets. Ultra-wealthy collectors will buy one of each car that is credible. "The decision to go is defined not just by the competitors. These cars are defined by what they stand for." The performance targets Joyce enumerates are eye-popping. Zero to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds, and 0-100 in less than 6.0 seconds. The EV range is 60 kilometers (37 miles) on the Euro drive cycle, and the Euro CO2 measure must be fewer than 100 grams per kilometer. The electric motors are powerful enough to accelerate the car to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, even in EV mode with the combustion engine off. The final car will look much like the gorgeous and highly praised concept car from the 2010 Paris show. "It's absolutely the same shape and form, but with more edge and refinement," Joyce explains. The main changes are additional cooling apertures. Like the concept, it's a PHEV with electric drive to front and rear wheels, with one substantial change: The concept used a pair of small turbines as range extenders. Joyce says these aren't ready for prime time, so the production car will have a gasoline reciprocating engine, linked to the wheels with a seven-speed automated manual transmission. Jaguar wanted something that would publicize its forthcoming family of high-output, downsized four-cylinder engines. The C-X75 takes that concept to the extreme (and, in fact, is a unique bespoke engine, sharing no parts with that high-volume family). It's a 1.6-liter unit that goes to 10,000 rpm and makes over 500 horsepower, says Jaguar, courtesy of a supercharger providing torque below 5000 rpm, and a turbo spooling out high-rev power, and both direct and port gasoline-injection systems. It uses a motorsport-type gear drive for the camshafts.The car received engineering expertise from Williams Grand Prix engineering, where the project team is based. This gives access to top-level race tech in aerodynamics, chassis dynamics, and composites. (The car has a carbon-fiber tub and skin, but aluminum front and rear crash structures.) Most of all, the car benefits from Formula 1's kinetic energy recovery system development. The front and rear electric motors, which are the axial flux type, are three times as powerful for a given weight and size as any other car traction motor, Jaguar claims, with a greater rpm range than the conventional radial flux type. The lithium-ion batteries use F1 control technologies for greater charge density. The pack weighs only 440 pounds yet has a capacity of more than 15 kW-hrs. Jaguar refuses to give the exact capacity, because, according to project director Paul Newsome, "We're very aware our competitors are taking actions and are interested in what we're doing." To reduce thermal loss, the battery and motors run at an extremely high 600 volts. The battery can run at an output power of "more than a quarter of a megawatt for an extended period," says Newsome.
Rear cam drive
The rear e-motor and the gas engine are separately clutched to the input shaft of the rear seven-speed transmission. This means the car can run in pure EV mode or combined hybrid mode. The four-cylinder engine and automated manual are light and compact. The AMT is said to save more than 200 pounds over a dual-clutch transmission. Lightness is vital to offset the battery mass, and compactness means there's unobstructed airflow through the rear diffuser. The front e-motor is permanently coupled to the front wheels, using a single gear that approximates to sixth for the rear gearbox. Because of this, it takes a progressively higher share of the torque as speed increases. So the car has a high rear torque bias at low speed for better agility, but more stability at high speed as the front wheels take a greater share. Because it needs to work in EV drive mode, the climate control is a new system independent of the engine. Power steering is also electric. The brake pedal actuates the servo directly; there's no brake-by-wire intervention. Newsome says that would have given potential extra efficiency, but "We've never tried a brake-by-wire system that feels natural." Another challenge is to synthesize an exciting noise for the EV mode. The main challenge with the prototypes is to ensure satisfactory cooling. The design simulations called for 11 heat exchangers, composed of nine radiators (charge air, motors, power electronics, battery, A/C, engine oil, transmission, and two for engine coolant) plus two engine intercoolers. Unfortunately this leaves no room for a luggage trunk, so the engineers aim to combine two radiators and create space.They are adamant that the cockpit package must not be compromised. Space, decent visibility, and a straight-ahead driving position are claimed to be non-negotiable. Clearly, Jaguar and Porsche are thinking the same way. Both the C-X75 and 918 have batteries mounted low and centrally, and longitudinal engines in concert with a rear e-motor driving seven-speed transmissions, plus a single-speed front motor. But the Jag is a four-cylinder forced induction with 500-plus hp, and the Porsche is a naturally aspirated V-8 with 570 hp. The Porsche uses a DCT; the Jaguar, an AMT. The main difference is the electrical system. The Jaguar has at least twice the battery capacity, hence more electric range, and electric motors of something like twice the power. It's more of an electrically biased car than the Porsche.
Lambo Egoista Closes Its Orange Canopy and Starts Engine
Has Lamborghini really gone too far with its designs by making the Egoista unlike any car you've ever seen? Yes, they most likely have, but you can never restrict opulence and wealth. The rules have clearly been broken, but the amazing single-seater selfish man's supercar still deserves praise.
By breaking with tradition, the Egoista finds to exude power and demand respect. Like a venomous snake or a wild tiger, we know we should fear it and keep our distance, yet are also mesmerized by its surfaces.
Designed after an attack helicopter, its many flat surfaces hint at stealth characteristics. At the middle of it all is a carbon-fiber and aluminum cockpit, encased by an orange canopy unlike anything else in the car world.
This short clip shows how that very canopy opens and closes. It even makes the sort of hydraulic sound you'd expect from a warbird.
Believe it or not, the Italians actually built a stealth helicopter called the Agusta A129 Mangusta which was not very successful. They can, however, make attack helicopters with four wheels and V10 engines that never take off. Good job Lamborghini!
2014 BMW M5 Facelift (LCI) Leaked via Configurator
We’re a bit tired of giving you leaked information and images of the 2014 Mercedes S-Class, so we though we’d make a little change, switching to the 2014 BMW M5 facelift.
The M5 is set to receive a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) along with the rest of the 5 Series range and it seems that the go-fast sedan’s configurator was placed online a bit too early. As usual, the car was removed, but, as they say, some things can not be unseen, especially after the screenshot feature has been used.
The M5 is set to receive a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) along with the rest of the 5 Series range and it seems that the go-fast sedan’s configurator was placed online a bit too early. As usual, the car was removed, but, as they say, some things can not be unseen, especially after the screenshot feature has been used.
As BMW has accustomed us, the exterior and interior changes are limited. Thus, the kidney grille now features heftier vertical lines which remind us of those used on the M6. The front and rear lights also receive minor tweaks that offer a sleeker appearance.
Inside the 2014 BMW M5, we find the new iDrive touch interface, while you can also order a new M Sport steering wheel.
As for the tech side of the revamped M5, earlier rumors show that BMW will offer am optional Competition Package, which will bring the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from 560 to 575 hp. Along with the power boost, the kit will include new settings for the M Dynamic driving mode, dedicated 20-inch wheels, as well as suspension tweaks.
The 2014 BMW M5 is scheduled to hit the market later this year, with a price of €103,000 ($134,000). The vehicle shown here comes with the Carbon Ceramic Brakes that are a €8,800 ($11,450) optional extra.
Hyundai HCD-14 Concept First Look
Hyundai CEO John Krafcik wanted to make it clear to the assembled journalists at the 2013 Detroit show that the HCD-14 is NOT a thinly veiled concept of the upcoming Genesis sedan. But it does outline what the brand is looking to do with an expanded Genesis lineup in the future.
It was the beginning. The Hyundai Genesis was the start of something bigger and more luxurious than ever before for the Korean automaker in the American market. During our 2009 Car of the Year event, the Genesis almost stole the golden calipers -- it was that good right out of the gate. It proved that Hyundai was ready to play with the big boys; that it could compete in segments where it had never before ventured. Now Hyundai has to prove it can not only compete, but show the world that its second-gen Genesis deserves first-tier status. That effort begins with the Hyundai HCD-14 Concept on display at the 2013 Detroit auto show. The concept serves a dual purpose as a technological showcase for the brand and a directional compass pointing toward the Genesis brand evolution. One of the few minor drawbacks of the first Genesis was its styling. As we said at the 2009 Car of the Year judging, it was more Andy Williams than Placido Domingo -- not bad, but no world-class tenor. In Hyundai terms, it didn't have that fluidic thing going on. The HCD-14 Concept changes all that. The Hyundai design-speak says the HCD-14 "conveys a fluidic-precision, liquid-metal design language." Took the words right out of our mouth -- or not. Gone are the swoopy lines that define the flanks of cars like the present Sonata -- we're talking fluidic precision now. A strong, sharp-edged beltline dominates the HCD-14's profile. To the surprise of no one, Hyundai has jumped on the four-door coupe bandwagon, with a B-pillar-less, tapered greenhouse look, short overhangs, and an extended dash-to-axle ratio befitting its rear-drive layout. The HCD-14's front end is another departure from what we've seen from the rest of the Hyundai brand lately. This concept is about continuing to forge a different design direction for the Genesis lineup. It's different, we'll give it that. The upright, vaguely Audi-like brushed-metal four-strake grille gets up in your face, and the horizontal, glass-block look headlights and ovid, light-pipe lower lamps shine a blue-light hue. Out back, more strong light banks intrude into the rear deck, tapering the trunk lid, and the honking big exhaust tips echo the same look as the lower light banks out front. Predictably, it rolls on a set of massive, but lightweight concept-style alloys with carbon-fiber accents. But there's one design cue we're particularly enamored with: the HCD's rear-hinged doors. Yep, it's got the suicide-door thing going on, thanks to a single brushed aluminum hinge on each door articulating diagonally from the rear cutline. The goal is to aid access to the rear seats. Go on Hyundai, we dare you: Bring that feature to production.But despite all its shiny new fluidity and those rear-hinged doors, it's inside the cabin where Hyundai gets all next-level on us -- specifically the cockpit and center stack design. While HCD-14 is fluidic on the outside, the interior sports a wavy theme that carries through from the center console to the rear seats, with cues on the door handles and headrest hoods as well. The analog and digital gauge mash-up also features aviation-infused touches and an asymmetrically designed center stack with driver functions oriented toward the cockpit. Have iPad, will travel, thanks to the HCD-14's iPad holder located in the center stack. To make the stack more than just an iPad holder, Hyundai ergonomics engineers explored outside the box in an effort to create a center stack for the HCD-14 that showcases the automaker's future, 3-D-infused vision of driver/car interaction. Buttons and knobs? Who needs 'em! The HCD-14's center stack layout is devoid of them. In their place is a driver interface system highlighted by eye tracking and 3-D hand gesture recognition tech designed to react to driver commands without using traditional touch points. Once you select a specific feature via the eye tracker, you then use either thumb controls or the 3-D hand gesture system to dial in nav, audio, climate control, or smartphone connectivity functions. A head-up display is also a key part of the suite of tech features designed to further keep the driver's eyes where they should be: above the cowl and looking out to the road. While we're not sure this technology will make it to the next Genesis, Hyundai says it will be pushing this type of next-level driver involvement in future generations of its luxury vehicles. We're most definitely intrigued.While the HCD-14's cockpit whizbangery represents the future, the HCD-14's powertrain features present-day tech. Hyundai's powerful, direct-injected 5.0-liter Tau V-8, mated to an eight-speed transmission powering the present Genesis, also provides the concept's motivation, although there's a slick optical recognition feature designed to recognize the driver and fire up the car when it does. Its ceramic-lined exhaust system was developed to help maximize horsepower and minimize back pressure, all while reportedly offering up a mean baritone soundtrack. Though we've found the 5.0-liter plenty powerful and quick in a straight line in the Genesis (an R-Spec-equipped model we tested in 2011 barreled to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and onto a 13.3-second quarter mile at 107.1 mph), like most Hyundais, we've found it a bit wanting in the vehicle dynamics department. And with Hyundai positioning the Genesis sedan toward the sportier side of the luxury equation, it's important the next-gen model evolve in that direction. From what we can make of the HCD-14's preliminary feature set, that's what Hyundai intends to do. According to Hyundai, the HCD-14's high-tensile steel chassis is as rigid as a Catholic school nun. Its five-link front and rear suspension has been designed to reduce camber and toe travel in an effort to improve grip, further aided by high-performance, low-profile rubber. It also deploys a multi-mode power steering and yaw-control systems designed to offer improved wheel feedback and control in aggressive and other extreme driving conditions. It all sounds very impressive in concept form -- we'll see what it means for the new Genesis when we finally get to drive one, likely toward the end of this year.Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 Fights the Desert
Come On Burnout Light My Tire
Any burnout that wraps the machine which performs it in smoke completely is officially a good burnout, but we have to admit that some are better than others. Today we’re bringing you our favorite kind of burnout, the one that also includes a fire.
The ‘Vette in the adjacent image is turning its rear tires into smoke with grace, but the detail that conquers us is the little piece of rubber in front of the car, which is actually burning.
The photo comes from D2 Forged Wheels, which gifted the car with a set of shoes that use a two-tone color scheme, mixing blue centers with polished outer circles. We can only imagine how the frenzy of those rear wheels looks in slow motion...
To be honest, we were kind of wishing for a reason to write about Mercedes’ six-wheeled monster G63 AMG and the company has now given us just that. Mercedes has released the making-of for the promotional video that sees the G63 AMG 6x6 conquering the desert.
The footage was captured in Namibia, where the AMG-branded Frankenstein (we mean that in a very good way) was treated with some of the harshest conditions on Earth. The problem was that the crew who put everything together faced the same conditions, as you’ll be able to see in the video below.
The clip brings us all sorts of delicious footage, from showing us the production team’s RC filming helicopter, to a a few more delicate frames that see the film makers use more Mitsubishi Pajero support cars than Mercedes G-Class vehicles to fight the desert.
PS: in case you're considering performing some dune taiming yourself, we'll remind you we previosuly found a few Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 units for sale. Nevertheless, the standard car is pretty good at tackling the desert too, as we found out during our Mercedes G63 AMG test drive.
New Acura / Honda NSX to Be Built in Ohio
Honda announced the new NSX supercar will be assembled starting in 2015 at a bespoke performance center to be built in Ohio Sounding like a page pulled straight out of the Lexus LFA's building manual, the new Honda facility will have just 100 skilled technicians.
"The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio," said Hidenobu Iwata, president & CEO of Honda of America.
The plant will cover 184,000 square feet plant and is costing Honda $70 (€53.9) million to build. As the NSX is just two years away from rolling off the line, the company will shortly begin to recruit the best people it can find.
The revival model will still use a V6 engine, just like the original, but the drivetrain will also include two electric motors that power the front wheels as well as another motor that is integrated into the dual-clutch transmission.
"The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio," said Hidenobu Iwata, president & CEO of Honda of America.
The plant will cover 184,000 square feet plant and is costing Honda $70 (€53.9) million to build. As the NSX is just two years away from rolling off the line, the company will shortly begin to recruit the best people it can find.
The revival model will still use a V6 engine, just like the original, but the drivetrain will also include two electric motors that power the front wheels as well as another motor that is integrated into the dual-clutch transmission.
Porsche to Offer Hybrid Versions for All Models
Porsche is preparing to put together the hybrid propulsion puzzle it’s been working on for years, with the carmaker recently announcing that, in the future, there will be hybrid versions for all the vehicles in its range.
Porsche recently held a tech workshop for its new Panamera Hybrid, explaining that it has created a new hybrid unit that brings the electric motor and clutches together and that this will be suitable for all its future models.
Porsche recently held a tech workshop for its new Panamera Hybrid, explaining that it has created a new hybrid unit that brings the electric motor and clutches together and that this will be suitable for all its future models.
In order to reduce fuel efficiency and emissions, Porsche went back to the basics, deciding to reduce the number of revs an engine performs per kilometer. In order to achieve this, the engineers mixed features like stop start, coasting, coasting with the engine off, as well as plug in hybrid mode use.
Porsche offered a few hints about a future plug-in transmission. This will outperform the new 95 hp hybrid electric motor in the 2014 Panamera and will rely on both water and air for cooling, It will get its energy from an even denser battery pack, while its wiring will use aluminum instead of copper.
In addition, Porsche also aims to develop a charging infrastructure, with the company currently working on induction chargers that offer wireless recharging for home use.
The unit, which is expected to debut on the next-generation Panamera in late 2016, will be placed on a new rear- and all-wheel drive modular platform called MSB.
Bentley will also used the MSB, which means that not only we’ll get a hybrid powertrain in cars like the Porsche 911, but also on Bentleys. Since we’re talking about Posche, the hybrid powertrainwill also bring a boost in performance, so one shouldn’t be concerned about the green side affecting the go-fast one.
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid Coming This Summer
Infiniti continues its reinvention with yet another model. Called the "all-new 2014 Infiniti QX60, this should already be be known to most of you, since it's actually the the 7-seater luxury crossover known they launched last year as the JX.
Under Infiniti's new naming strategy, sedans and coupes will be named starting with "Q", while crossovers and SUVs will start in "QX
".Under Infiniti's new naming strategy, sedans and coupes will be named starting with "Q", while crossovers and SUVs will start in "QX
The three rows have stayed on, but one very important thing has changed. Before, the JX was powered only by a standard Nissan 3.5-liter V6 engine available in front- and all-wheel drive. However, the QX60 will swap that of a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack located under the 3rd row seat.
Details remain unrevealed, but we do know the QX60 will deliver combined fuel consumption of 26 mpg.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Launched in Malaysia
The most powerful Porsche SUV ever put into production is now available in Malaysia. We're talking about the new Turbo S model, which takes its rightful place at the top of the SUV range.
Powered by a 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the Cayenne Turbo S has a massive 550 hp at its disposal, 50 more than a Turbo and enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
That sounds like scary amount of power to have in a two-ton SUV, but what's even scarier is the price Malaysians will have to pay to own one. This kicks off at RM1,330,000, which is $443,000 at today's exchange rate. No, we didn't add an extra number by mistake, that's just how taxes work.
By comparison, the US customer only has to pay $146,000 for exactly the same range-topper, which is about $300,000 less… as much as you'd pay for a Ferrari 458 Italia
Powered by a 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the Cayenne Turbo S has a massive 550 hp at its disposal, 50 more than a Turbo and enough to get it from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
That sounds like scary amount of power to have in a two-ton SUV, but what's even scarier is the price Malaysians will have to pay to own one. This kicks off at RM1,330,000, which is $443,000 at today's exchange rate. No, we didn't add an extra number by mistake, that's just how taxes work.
By comparison, the US customer only has to pay $146,000 for exactly the same range-topper, which is about $300,000 less… as much as you'd pay for a Ferrari 458 Italia
Force One
Force motors launched the Force One at the end of 2011. Looks wise, the One has traditional SUV lines in the way it looks. No flashy paint job or chic design angles – pure SUV DNA which it has picked up from a popular Chinese SUV, the Guangdong Foday Explorer III. Force Motors imports the body from China though everything else is made and assembled right here in India.
The Force One isn’t a very striking or modern looking SUV. But then, there are always those prospective customers who want a no-nonsense masculine looking big vehicle and the One fits this bill perfectly well. The front end is dominated by day time running LEDs and loads of chrome. Side profile is dominated by the flared wheel arches and those lovely chunky all-terrain tyres in 235/70 R16 size. At the rear, you do notice the twin exhaust pipes, huge roof mounted spoiler and big tail lamps.
Inside even with 6 footers sitting up front, three adults of similar size can easily sit in the 2nd row. The 3rd row is one of the best we have seen in the business as far as space goes.
What however lets the experience slightly down for a Rs 11 lakh SUV is that fact that quality is plastics and design of the fascia is simply not upto the mark in this category. Features are pretty impressive with inclusions like a comprehensive driver information display system, Bluetooth connectivity for the audio system, multiple steering mounted control including that for the cruise control system, reverse park aid (no display), air con vents for all the seats, projector headlamps
Engine wise, the 2.2-litre diesel engine is made in India and is of the common-rail variety, meeting BS-IV norms as well. At 141PS of power and 321Nm of torque, the Force One does respond and behave in a very pleasing manner. Turbo lag is well controlled and this is one of the beauties of the engine. Tap the accelerator pedal at low end speeds and the SUV gathers pace easily. Outright punch is good and it takes around 17 second for the Force One to hit the ton mark from a standstill.
On the highways, it keeps an indicated 120-125km/h very easily with loads of power in reserve. Expect around 11 kmpl.
Another feature in the Force One’s cap is the suspension. Force isn’t offering the One in the 4x4 configuration right now and yet, with the help of the all-terrain tyres, we were able to take the One places.In city traffic, the suspension does a good job as well. Ofcourse you can’t and shouldn’t expect agility of a small car from this big beast, but the light steering does make things easy for you. It does not have ABS, Airbags though.
The One is priced at Rs 11 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi at at that price it is a good alternative to the Mahindra XUV and Renault Duster.
Bugatti Veyron
The Veyron was launched in 2011 with a price-tag of 15-20 crores. This is a car unlike anything else and is a marvel of technology. In design terms, the front end has larger air intakes; the two central air intakes to the left and right of the Bugatti radiator grille are divided horizontally by a bar. It is quite compact when you see in real life but is a beautiful car.
Numerous interior parts are now made from carbon fibre in this exotic car. Everything from the centre console extension, to a cover with EB logo in the rear-bulkhead leather trim. The two-tone leather seat covers are enhanced by contrasting stitching between the seat base and the side sections. Of course the whole car is customisable, any leather, any material!
The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse has simply huge amounts of torque of 1,500 Nm (at 3,000-5,000 rpm) from the 7.9-litre capacity of its W16 engine. The maximum output is if you can believe it(1.200 hp) which is at 6.400 rpm. These figures allow the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standing in unbelievable 2.6 seconds. The top speed of 410 km/h (255 mph) makes the four-wheel drive (like all Veyrons) Grand Sport Vitesse the fastest production roadster ever. Remember though driven to its top speed, the 26.4-gallon fuel tank goes dry in twelve minutes.
With all this power it also has an all-wheel drive system, ensures extremely good handling. The brakes offer stunning stopping power too and the outer skin is also made completely from carbon fibre. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable! The brakes can withstand heat of up to 1800°C
This is a special car and at Rs 15-20 crores, it better be.
Ford Fiesta Classic
This was a big success for Ford when it was launched, now it still does very good numbers but Ford recently introduced a new vriant titled Classic. Ford Classic continues the legacy of the old Fiesta with a new name. It is an excellent combination of style and aggression owing to its sporty design. When it comes to looks, it has muscular styling, stylish grille with the Ford logo, clear lens headlamps and fog lamps integrated into the body colored bumpers with large air dam and overall an aggressive front end design. 15 inch alloy wheels and flared wheel arches add to the sporty looks of the Ford Classic. It has body colored OVRMs now while looks great and in-line with the rest of the car’s design. The build quality is excellent and so is the fit, finish and paint quality.
Inside, the Ford Classic comes in a new beige interior trim which looks great and feels better than its older versions. The car feels spacious and there is plenty of leg and head room for passengers. The seats are comfortable and offer excellent back and thigh support. The driver seat is height and tilt adjustable. Ford Classic has other features which enhance driving experience such as Automatic Climate Control air conditioning, 6 CH changer audio system with good speakers, remote boot release, power windows, leather upholstery in certain variants. It has small storage areas inside while the boot has a total luggage carrying capacity of 430 liters. Ford Classic is known for its peppy and powerful petrol engine although it is available in two engine variants. The petrol engine variant is available in a 1.6 liter Duratec engine which produces 100 BHP.
The diesel engine variant is a 1.4 liter Duratorq engine which produces 68 BHP at 4000 RPM and plenty of torque. It has excellent bottom end power and is easy to drive in the city and on the highways. Both the diesel and petrol Classic are economical. But the diesel Ford Classic has a great efficiency of 20 kmpl, the petrol too manages 13 kmpl which is a respectable figure nonetheless. It offers a comfortable drive and has very good ride quality. It absorbs all the bad bumps and undulations of the road as it has a very well setup suspension. It offers a composed and stable ride on the highways. Body roll is nearly negligible as this car feels at home around corners. The steering unit offers very good feedback and is well weighted at low and high speeds and comfortable to use at all times. Ford Classic also comes with ABS + EBD and good brakes to help you slow it down from higher speed easily. Prices start at Rs 5.5 lakh to 7.8 lakhs ex-showroom and it represents good value. For a detailed analysis read below.
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Fiat Punto
In 2009 Fiat launched the Grande Punto. However it was in 2012 that they launched updated Punto with new features. First launched in 2009, the Punto has basically looked the same and for once we think it should look the same! The Maserati like nose is the most appealing part of the design and the rear also looks good with muscular styling. The big wheel arches and the 15 inch alloys do their part in sprucing up the looks as well.
The 2012 model features a new Oceanic blue paint-job and we think it looks great. However take a closer look and you will see a small change, the 2012 Punto now has enhanced ground clearance (Punto 1.2- 195 mm and Punto 1.4 and 1.3 D - 185 mm). For those who want an even more sporty look the 90 hp Sport model with its decals and contrasting side-view mirrors add a nice touch.
Step inside and you will see a stylish cabin. What has changed in the 2012 model is that Fiat have provided new grey interiors, fabric seats, carpeted flooring and door trims. A dual tone dashboard now adorns the entire range. When it comes to features the Punto scores high in this regard, the Punto has equipment like steering mounted audio controls, Blue&me and follow me home headlamps. When it comes to space, the Punto has adequate legroom but headroom is in short supply thanks to its coupe like design. The 90 hp Sport also has red contrast stiching on the inside too.
The 1.2 petrol has 68 PS and performance is adequate at best. The diesel is a lot better and we say its the pick of the range. The 76 PS multijet diesel motor provides good performance and there is enough torque (197 Nm @ 1750 rpm). Whether you are out in the city or on the highway peformance is strong and this is the engine that we would reccomend. The 90 PS petrol which is the most powerful engine that you can buy with a Punto and as expected it is a delight for any enthusiast. It's fast and complements the car perfectly. The new variant is the 90 hp diesel engine. Punto delivers 15.2 km/l for the 1.2 P and 20.3 km/l (ARAI) for the diesel, the petrol 1.2 loses some of the fuel-efficiency as you have to down-shift a lot to extract the performance.
The steering feedback is brilliant and exactly just what you would want from a steering- not very light nor very heavy. In the city it is light and along with a light clutch, driving in heavy traffic and parking is a breeze. The turning circle of the Punto is 5 M which means you will not have nay problems negotiating those tight U-turns!
When it comes to ride, the Punto features an independent wheel suspension with McPherson Struts at the front and Torsion Beam, Helical springs at the rear. All that means that the way the Punto glides over potholes which shames even the more expensive cars! The ride of the Punto is easily the best in its segment.
The Shutter Moment
British photographer James White captured this moment of spin during the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain at Thruxton. The car eventually recovered to rejoined the race.
To see more of James's photos visit his gallery on Flicker http://www.flickr.com/photos/ zoosh/
Volkswagen Polo
After Volkswagen unveiled the Polo at the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year, the Polo has already garnered much attention among car enthusiasts and a lot of people who have been looking at purchasing a hatchback have put their decisions on hold in anticipation of this 'little' VW.
Design:
The Polo is certainly a very handsome looking car and unmistakably a VW. Granted, it doesn't have the same design flair and pizzazz as some of the more recent entrants like the Grande Punto or the rather aggressively styled i20. However, in typical German fashion, it is rather mature looking and has just that right balance of sportiness without being overly yuppie in its demeanour.The Polo has a very aggressively chiselled front end, with smart headlamps which really sweep from around the front fenders to merge with the slim grille. The big shiny VW badge sits in the centre of the grille and the two chromed horizontal slats do add a bit of sparkle to the front of the car. Also adding to the sharp looking front is the crisply cut chin and front bumper which houses a pair of neatly styled fog lamps, which are standard on the loaded Highline variant. Interestingly VW decided that the slightly smoked effect headlamps which are available on the Polo worldwide may not go down well with the Indian consumer's psyche and went with a shiny one instead.The neatly styled tailgate with the sporty spoiler looks good and houses the third-brake light. The diesel powered Polo carries a TDI badge on the rear and that's about the only distinguishing factor between the petrol and diesel engined Polo's. The Polo has a boot that's just a shade over two hundred and eighty litres, but the fenders do intrude into the boot somewhat and rob it of some precious stowage area. The Trendline features a full-fold down rear seat where as the Comfortline and Highline feature a 60:40 split rear seat which may be more practical.
Interiors:
The Polo will be available in three trim levels, namely the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Common across all the variants is power steering with a tilt and telescopic adjustment, manually adjustable side-view mirrors, HVAC, front power windows (with an Auto down), central locking, body coloured bumpers, tachometer, engine immobilizer, chrome finished door handles on the inside, prismatic rear-view mirror, tinted glasses, height adjustable headrests for the front and rear and a fully folding rear seat (only on the Trendline).The interior of the Polo is a two-tone affair. You've got the top half of the dashboard in a durable (but hard) black plastic, and the bottom is beige and merges seamlessly with the doorpad design. The beige interior does make the car feel far more airy on the inside than a grey one might, but it is going to need constant attention to keep it looking spotless. The chrome finished door release handle adds a slightly upmarket touch to the doorpad area.
If you've been in Skoda's or other VW's before you'll feel right at home in the Polo. There are plenty of familiar looking bits. Some of the stalks, buttons, knobs come from the giant VW Group parts bin, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, since they're all well made and have a certain quality feel about them. The knobs that control the airflow on the air-con vents feel really good to the touch and have a very precise feel to their operation. Little quality bits like this can really go a long way in giving a car a well-made, quality feel.
Engine, Transmission:
The Polo comes with two engine options for now, and both are 75bhp, 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre engines! The petrol is 1198cc with an output of 75bhp @ 5400 rpm and churns out 110Nm of torque @3750 rpm. The diesel is a 1199cc commonrail turbo-diesel which churns out 75bhp @ 4200 rpm and a useful torque figure of 180Nm@ just 2000 rpm. There's also interestingly a 1.6 petrol engine which is listed on the VW website which produces just a shade over 100bhp, but VW state that they won't be launching this anytime soon. That would really make this Polo, truly sporty.Both the 1.2litre engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, which VW says is the same 'box, but because of the different final drive ratios and the way each of these engines produce their power, the car's really do feel quite different when you drive them. VW says that there's going to be no auto-box for a while at least, so it's just the 5-speed manual for now. Incidentally, this new 1.2 diesel engine that we've got here will debut in Europe later this year.
Driving Dynamics:
Most European cars are known for their ride and handling and we have always been quite a fan of the way the VW group cars ride and handle. Comfortable through bad patches, surefooted and safe at speed and very neutral and safe at the limit. The Polo is no different from its other siblings and distant cousins, in this respect. The Polo sports struts in the front and a torsion beam with gas dampers at the rear. The suspension setup was slightly tweaked for our road conditions and the ground clearance upped by 50mm and the car now has a ground clearance of 168mm. The car has a slightly stiff ride at low speeds, but the ride at higher speeds is excellent and the car feels thoroughly composed even when caught out by really bad patches or mid-corner bumps. The Polo's suspension really has been tweaked to strike a perfect compromise between firmness and agility. The brakes on the Polo felt progressive and quite meaty with enough grabbing power. The Polo uses discs upfront and drums at the rear and only the Highline trim gets ABS. We'll know just how good they are when we put it to our braking tests in a short while.The engineers have designed the Polo for the Polo Cup, which really says it all. The kind of stress racing can put on a chassis, has ensured that the Polo's chassis is engineered for so much more than what it will be subjected to. The chassis is absolutely brilliant and even on really twisty patches the tyres on our Polo were giving up well before what this chassis is really capable of. The Polo has electro-mechanical assist for the steering, which weighs up well with increase in speed and has just the right amount of feedback coming through to your fingers on the steering wheel. The one noticeable area that really needs improvement is reducing the tyre noise that filters through at even moderate speeds and this somewhat breaks the calm of the cabin. There is a drone at speed on concrete patches and this is a shame, since no doubt VW, like all other manufacturers would have worked hard on keeping NVH to a minimum.
Overall Evaluation:
The Polo is really a brilliantly made quality-hatchback with a legendary badge. It has a lot of things going in its favour. Great build quality, a fantastic 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty, excellent ride and handling package, brilliant chassis dynamics and a badge which really says that you're a cut above the rest. That said, we feel the pricing is a tad high vis-à-vis the features it packs in. At 4.34 - 5.72 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the petrol and 5.32 - 6.70 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), one really wishes that VW would reconsider their pricing for the diesel, which will no doubt see fair numbers. There's also the issue of rear legroom for tall passengers, which is a significant concern, since this is one segment that really wants it all! And lastly, the cost of ownership which VW says will be competitive when spares prices are announced next month.Ssangyong Rexton Review
Mahindra absorbed the Korean car manufacturer Ssangyong last year. Since then we have been waiting for introduction of bigger, premium SUVs under the Mahindra-Ssangyong banner.We now have official confirmation that the first Ssangyong SUV coming to India will be the Rexton, which will be launched on October 17 – the same day as the Tata Safari Storme.
The Rexton W was unveiled at the 2012 Busan Motor Show in Korea and it is now on sale in 66 countries including European markets. The W stands for “Work of Art”. While we might not agree with the Ssangyong’sdescription, we will readily admit that the new model is much easier on the eyes than the Rexton II. Both new and old Rextonshave been caught testing in India for a while, also confirming that certain components from the older car will make it to the vehicle offered in India.
The new third generation Rexton gets an all-new frontend with projector headlamps and daytime LED lights, chrome grille, new bumpers with integrated fog lamps and LED indicators. The Rexton W looks more proportionate with black treatment around the bottom and wider with fared wheel arches. The rear of the SUV looks unexciting, but it is functional. It will comfortably seat seven people – keeping it aligned with the Mahindra range! – and still have some space in the boot. Overall the Rexton feels premium, something that it will need to compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe and Renault Koleos.
Mahindra has not confirmed the tech spec of the Rexton W, but the word is that it will be powered by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 152bhp and 367Nm of torque. Ssangyong will be banking on fuel economy of the SUV that is around 14kpl with 2WD and the automatic transmission for marketing. There is also a 200bhp version of the same engine which might be introduced in India later.
Just like all other Mahindra products, details will be kept under wraps till launch and we will be able to confirm variants only on 18 October. We will also get our hands on the car the same day, so stay tuned for the review of the Ssangyong Rexton.
Mahindra will undercut the competition on price to get sales for the new Korean brand. The Rexton will be imported to India as CKD and will be assembled at Mahindra’s Chakan facility. It will also be feature loaded like most vehicles from South Korea. Globally the new Rexton gets six airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ARP (Active Roll over Protection), UWS (Ultrasonic Warning System), cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and Rain-sensing wipers.
The Rexton W will be launched across India in a phased manner.After the Mumbai launch it will immediately be made available in the metro cities of New Delhi and Bangalore. We expect Ssangyong Rexton prices to start around Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra).
Honda Amaze Review
Honda Amaze Review
The Honda Amaze sedan is the new sub-four meter entrant for the Indian market. More importantly it is the first diesel vehicle from Honda India. The Amaze competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire on pricing and might seriously dent latter’s market share.The Amaze is basically a sedan version of the Brio, but looks proportionate, unlike few of its competitors. There are some changes to the exteriors when comparison with the Brio – the roofline and creases on the side are different, so are the wheels. At the rear the tail-lamps are reminiscent of the City’s, and there is a large chrome strip that runs across the boot in much the way the Dzire and Scala have. The important bit is that the Amaze refuses to look boring, whether you like the way it looks or not.
The interiors of the Amaze are similar to that of the other Honda models and very closely resemble trims of the Brio. However, the features are a premium when compared to the hatchback – for example, the audio system on the car is from the Honda City with steering mounted audio controls for the top-end versions. The wheelbase has been increased to 2405mm; apart from improving the driving dynamics it also increase the rear legroom. The 400-litre boot of the Amaze is largest in the segment – it is quite commendable considering the car is under four-meters in length. The only complaint that we have about the interiors is that the rear-seats don’t split or fold.
The Honda Amaze petrol is powered by refined 1.2-litre i-VTEC producing 88PS and 109Nm of torque – the same unit that powers the Brio, with the ARAI fuel economy of 18kpl. The sub-four meter sedan also gets a 5-speed automatic petrol variant with ARAI fuel efficiency of 15kpl.
The Honda Amaze diesel sedan is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre i-DTEC oil burner that produces 100PS@3600rpm and 200Nm of torque@1750rpm of which the latter is completely flat and does not drop until we get near the redline. The diesel versions have ARAI fuel efficiency of 25.8kpl – the highest for any vehicle in India. ABS with EBD is standard across the diesel and automatic variants.
Honda is spot-on with the prices – the Amaze goes head-to-head with the Dzire variants. In fact as an overall package is probably a notch ahead of the Dzire with better power ratings, more space and higher ARAI fuel efficiency figures.
The SKODA Yeti has been voted as the best car to own in UK, followed by SKODA Superb in the second place and SKODA Laura in the 6th place. To read the complete article, click http://bit.ly/19ngBzv
Audi USA
Never a lazy Sunday. Our man Gabriel and other Audi R8 drivers track-lapped on the Auto Club Speedway over the weekend. He also ripped through the auto-cross at 26.386 seconds, one of the top 10 fastest times in his group. Follow us; we've got one more Audi driving experience to go: http:// audidrivingexperience.com/
The most important models from the past, the "Supercars", which made the story of the Prancing Horse, the ‘LaFerrari’ and the exhibitipn dedicated to the "Mulotipi". Discover the new wing and the exhibition spaces of the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
One of history’s all-time greatest drivers admits he found Peugeot’s outrageous 208 T16 Pikes Peak a shock to the system.
The machine has been purpose-built to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA, 25 years on from Peugeot’s first record-breaking victory there with Ari Vatanen in its 405 T16.
Photos of 208 T16-> http://www.racerlink.com/ home?article=178501
Mazda
Early on a cool, foggy morning last Saturday, a handful of Mazda drivers from the Southern California RX Club honored the 46-year anniversary of Mazda rotary engine mass production by crashing SoCal’s most infamous weekly gathering of the automotive elite: Cars and Coffee-Irvine, CA.
Dozens of high-performance Mazdas spanning the decades, all joined in the Mazda Way of challenging convention and changing the game. Click through for a glimpse of it all, and post a pic of your Mazda on our Timeline for all to see. (}) — Mazda Rotaries at Cars and Coffee(39 photos)
Porsche in the Flesh
Porsche 917 from the early 1970s painted as pork.
The appearance of the race car, with a noticeably wider body and reworked aerodynamics, evoked unusual associations. The Chief Engineer was noted to have said it "looks like a fat pig" and that moniker stuck.
The 917 was given a pink paint finish with cuts of meat drawn on and lettered. At Le Mans, the "pig" was a sensation. Although it didn't finish the race, it was the most photographed race car of the year.
mahindra scorpio
Now is the time to charge off the beaten track with your Mighty Muscular Scorpio. Participate in our one day Great Escapes to multi-day expeditions and various challenges at Mahindra Adventure. To book your spot now, visit www.mahindraadventure.com
Subaru BRZ
Make -Subaru
Model- BRZ
Price -$37,150 drive-away (includes three years' free servicing)
Engine Size- 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder
Country Of Origin- Japan
Emissions -18`1g/km (man), 164g/km (auto)
Fuel Consumption- 7.8L/100km (man), 7.1L/100km (auto)
Kerb Weight- 1222kg
Power -147kW at 7000rpm
Safety Equipment- 7 airbags; stability control
Torque -205Nm at 6400-6600rpm
Transmission/Driven Wheels -6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
F1 Spanish GP: Nico Rosberg Leads Merc Front Row
The Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton claimed a commanding one-two on the grid for the Spanish GP after a dramatic Q3 qualifying session in Barcelona on Saturday.
Photo and Results-> http://www.racerlink.com/home?article=183352
The Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton claimed a commanding one-two on the grid for the Spanish GP after a dramatic Q3 qualifying session in Barcelona on Saturday.
Photo and Results-> http://www.racerlink.com/home?article=183352
Mercedes-Benz
CLS250 CDI Shooting Brake
Family - CLS250 CDI
Series -C218
Year- 2013
Badge Description -BlueEFFICIENCY Shooting Brake
Doors- 4
Seats- 5
Transmission Sports- Automatic
Engine Configuration Description- In-line
Gear Num- 7
Cylinders- 4
Build Country Origin Description- GERMANY
ANCAPRating- 5
Overall Green Star Rating -3.5
Fuel Type Description- Diesel
Drive Description Rear- Wheel Drive
Spanish GP: Vettel Fastest but Tires Issues Continue
Sebastian Vettel was fastest bettering Fernando Alonso's time in the second free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix. Mark Webber was third fastest. Tire wear issue was back in focus as Force India's Paul di Resta's rear delaminated on the main straight forcing him to park the car.
Results and Photos-> http://www.racerlink.com/ home?article=183172
The Best of Tour Auto
British photographer Matt White has contributed these awesome shots from this year's Tour Auto. Check out Matt's blog and full photo coverage - www.aperturedramatics.blogspot .com.
Matt's photos on RacerLink-> http://www.racerlink.com/ home?article=182996
SCOOP !! New Mercedes S-Class official brochure leaked. Check out the whole brochure on our forum >> http://ow.ly/kUsOo