Road Test

Road Test: 2013 Audi SQ5 3.0 BiTDI quattro

Road Test: 2013 Audi SQ5 3.0 BiTDI quattro

At first glance, you wouldn’t guess that this SUV is diesel engined. Its sporty looks and the V6 T badges on the front fenders give you the idea of a powerful petrol engine. Well, this would be true if we we’re on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, as in the US this car comes with the 3.0 TFSI petrol engine. However, here in Europe the new Audi SQ5 is powered by a diesel engine. The new SQ5 is the first S model in the Q5 model series, and it is also the first S model with a diesel engine.

By June 17, 2013 Read More →
Road Test: 2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic

Road Test: 2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic

The Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI is powered by a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Among other things, the new engine features an aluminium block which has helped to drop its weight. At just 107 kilograms, the new engine weighs 21 kilograms less than its predecessor. With the FSI direct injection, the four-cylinder, 1,395cc, turbocharged engine produces 122 horsepower. Doesn’t sound very impressive for this sporty hatchback, but actually the 1.4 TFSI delivers quite brisk performance. Especially at lower speeds the A3 Sportback with the 1.4 TFSI moves very nicely. When you need to accelerate to motorway speed, or when you’re overtaking, you could use more power, but otherwise this small engine delivers very enjoyable performance. Engine’s top torque of 200 Newton metres is delivered between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm, so you don’t even have to give it a lot of revs to make it move.

By June 10, 2013 Read More →
Road Test: 2014 BMW 320i Gran Turismo

Road Test: 2014 BMW 320i Gran Turismo

If the new BMW 3 Series feels too small but the 5 Series is too big, there is no need to worry anymore. No there is a completely new BMW model to fill your needs. The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the third model variant in the new BMW 3 Series, and it is notably larger than its sister models, the 3 Series Sedan and Touring. With the total length of 4,824 millimetres, it is 200 mm longer than the 3 Series Touring.

Road Test: 2013 Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2WD

Road Test: 2013 Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2WD

Toyota RAV4′s wheelbase length has been increased by 100 mm. This, together with a thinner front seatback design, provides generous rear seat accommodation. The rear seats may be split 60:40 and each section can be reclined independently to enhance passenger comfort . The driver’s seat hip point has been lowered by 5 mm and seat height adjustment range has been increased by 15 mm to 30 mm. The steering wheel angle has been lowered by 2.3 degrees, and reach adjustment towards the driver increased by up to 38 mm. The increased seat height adjustment range makes it possible to have a lower and more engaging driving position.

News

New suspension packages for BMW X5

New suspension packages for BMW X5

The new BMW X5 can be ordered with different suspension packages. The Comfort Adaptive Suspension package comprises Dynamic Damper control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling rear suspension. The electronic control logic adapts the damping characteristics to changing road conditions and driving situations. Two different damping modes can be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch. The same functionality is also provided by the Adaptive M suspension, which is standard on the BMW X5 M50d and also part of the M Sport package for the other model versions. In this version, SPORT or SPORT+ modes offer extra-firm suspension and damping characteristics.

By June 17, 2013 Read More →
Ford Mustang takes the lead in the new Need for Speed movie

Ford Mustang takes the lead in the new Need for Speed movie

DreamWorks Studios and Ford Motor Company announced an exclusive partnership for the feature film Need for Speed, which will include significant integration of Ford products, along with extensive media promotion by Ford at the time of the film’s release on March 14, 2014.

By June 14, 2013 Read More →
New Rolls-Royce showroom opened in St. Petersburg

New Rolls-Royce showroom opened in St. Petersburg

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars St. Petersburg celebrated the opening of its new showroom. The dealership, located at the Astoria Hotel in the fashionable centre of one of the European cultural capitals, will be directed by Tatiana Fitzgerald who is also the Managing Director of Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars Moscow. The British manufacturer of super-luxury automobiles commemorated the occasion with a prestigious event for customers and friends of the brand in the evening.

By June 12, 2013 Read More →
Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition returns to America

Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition returns to America

The new limited-edition 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Gucci Edition models will return to America with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition. For 2013, the Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models now offer a new Nero (black) monotone interior environment that complements Gucci Nero or contrasts Gucci Bianco (white) eye-catching glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and Gloss Nero lighting bezels.

By June 11, 2013 Read More →

Tuned

KMC Wheels’ Rockstar II

KMC Wheels’ Rockstar II

KMC Wheels introduces the new XD Series Rockstar II wheel. The KMC XD Series Rockstar II features design cues that echo the design of its namesake Rockstar original, with angled spokes that radiate from a floating center emblazoned with an iconic star. Innovative bolt-on accent pieces allow customers to customize their wheels by choosing stand-off spokes that give a flush appearance to the face, or removing them for a reversed, deep-dish style.

By June 17, 2013 Read More →
Carlsson CB performance kit for Mercedes-Benz’s four-cylinder CGI engine

Carlsson CB performance kit for Mercedes-Benz’s four-cylinder CGI engine

Carlsson’s CB kit is capable of extracting up to 28 percent more power from the four-cylinder CGI engine. Carlsson CB kit comes as an adaptor plug with integrated control unit, enabling the unit to be mounted between the factory ECU and its input wiring harness in under five minutes. Communicating continuously with the vehicle’s electronic system, the CB unit optimizes performance by assessing the current driving situation, then adjusting parameters and variables to match its pre-determined performance maps.

By June 10, 2013 Read More →
KW coilover kits for Mercedes-Benz CLA

KW coilover kits for Mercedes-Benz CLA

KW has developed stainless steel coilover kits Variant 1 and Variant 3+ for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. Both coilover kits provide lowering range between 30 and 60 mm at the front and rear axle. At the front, the lowering can be set via the dirt-resistant KW trapezoid thread, while at the rear axle, the desired lowering is set by the rear axle height adjustment.

Lumma Design 22 inch alloy wheels for new Range Rover

Lumma Design 22 inch alloy wheels for new Range Rover

Lumma Design CLR 22 alloy wheels are available for new Range Rover. The light alloy wheel is offered in silver and black in size 10×22. In addition to the wheels, there is a complete wheel set available with 295/35-22 tires.

Motorsport

First laps for the new Porsche LMP1 prototype

First laps for the new Porsche LMP1 prototype

The new Porsche LMP1 sports prototype, which will compete in the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2014, successfully completed its first rollout today on the Porsche test track in Weissach. Before the eyes of the entire Board of Porsche AG, Porsche works driver Timo Bernhard took his new ‘wheels’ through its initial function check.

By June 12, 2013 Read More →
Range Rover Sport set new Pikes Peak record

Range Rover Sport set new Pikes Peak record

The new Range Rover Sport established the new record for a production-standard Sport Utility Vehicle and broke the long standing record for any kind of production-standard vehicle on the Pikes Pike International Hill Climb course. The Range Rover Sport rose to the challenge of the 12.42-mile asphalt course, powering its way from a standing start, in just 12 minutes 35.61 seconds – an average speed of 59.17 mph (95.23 kph) on a snaking road that clings to the edge of the mountain with precipitous drops on one side and unyielding rock faces on the other. The record was independently timed and sanctioned by PPIHC (Pikes Peak International Hill Climb), organisers of the annual competition at the Colorado venue.

Renault Twin’Run concept

Renault Twin’Run concept

Renault Twin’Run concept made its debut at the Monaco Grand Prix. The public at Monaco got to see the three racers in action in a pursuit race organized to celebrate Renault motorsport history. Twin’Run led the way with Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer, at the wheel, tailed by a Clio V6 driven by F1 star Charles Pic and a Maxi 5 Turbo with its celebrated driver, Jean Ragnotti, at the helm.

Upgraded TMG EV P002 returns to Pikes Peak to defend its electric title

Upgraded TMG EV P002 returns to Pikes Peak to defend its electric title

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has sent a revised TMG EV P002 all-electric race car to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to defend its title. Based on data gained from last year’s record-breaking run of 10 minutes 15.380 seconds, engineers at TMG’s electric vehicle technology centre have generated more performance from the TMG powertrain to further improve that mark. Motor speed and torque have been increased while the powertrain’s operating parameters have been tuned to better suit the challenge of the unique 19,99 kilometer Pikes Peak track, based on experience gained during last year’s class victory.

Motorcycles

K&N High-Flow Air Filter for Honda NC700X

K&N High-Flow Air Filter for Honda NC700X

K&N is offering the HA-7012 High-Flow Air Filter for Honda’s NC700X. K&N High-Flow Air Filter provides low restriction and increased throttle-response while delivering an overall gain in performance. The K&N pleated media provides a large filtration area offering high-flow, long service intervals and excellent filtration. The filter is designed to slide directly into the OE air filter assembly without any fitting or cutting required.

By June 10, 2013 Read More →
Engine update for 2014 Honda CRF450R

Engine update for 2014 Honda CRF450R

Delivering improved bottom-end torque, the 2014 Honda CRF450R’s 449cc single-cylinder engine benefits from new Dual Fuel injection timing and updated twin rear silencers. These modifications are aimed at providing a direct, yet sensitive connection to the rear tyre enhancing rear wheel traction and drive plus the rider’s feel for available grip. Work on the intake and exhaust ports by the CRF450R’s development engineers has also produced improved over-rev and power at peak rpm. Modulating power and torque, the six-spring clutch features new springs for a lighter lever action with no loss of capacity or durability. The five-speed close-ratio gearbox is unchanged.

The new BMW F 800 GS Adventure

The new BMW F 800 GS Adventure

Based on the off-road-oriented BMW F 800 GS, the Adventure model offers an optimal combination of agility, touring practicality and off-road capability. The F 800 GS Adventure boasts a new, masculine bodywork styling that underlines its globetrotting abilities, while a new, very comfortable bench seat, a larger windscreen for improved protection against the elements and hand protectors also support this image. Other new standard specification on the F 800 GS Adventure includes wide enduro footrests, an adjustable, reinforced foot brake lever, an engine protection bar and a pannier rack which also functions as a tank protection bar.

2014 Honda CRF250M

2014 Honda CRF250M

The Honda CRF250M combines tough performance credentials with a bold style and is aimed to appeal to the young rider looking for something different. Based on the CRF250L, the CRF250M sits 20mm lower thanks to revised front and rear suspension with heavier weight springs; and with 17inch wheels fitted with wider road tyres, plus a more powerful front brake, the CRF250M is ready to tear up the tarmac. Its free revving single-cylinder engine provides crisp, instant response thanks to revised gearing, whilst also offering both impressive fuel economyand punchy power and torque delivery.

By April 24, 2013 Read More →

Classic

Bentley 3 Litre (1921-1929)

Bentley 3 Litre (1921-1929)

Walter Owen Bentley reckoned racing was the best way to promote the new company and the new car. However, the big and heavy Bentley 3 Litre didn’t suit well in Grand Prix racing. Instead it was perfect for endurance racing due to its strong and reliable engine. Bentley 3 Litre took its first win in the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1924 driven by John Duff and Frank Clement, who participated as a private team driving their own car. Next year Bentley participated Le Mans with a factory team. In 1927 Bentley factory team drivers Sammy Davis and Dudley Benjafield took the second win for Bentley 3 Litre in Le Mans 24 Hour race.

By June 12, 2013 Read More →
Henry Leland

Henry Leland

Henry M. Leland was the guiding genius of the Cadillac Motor Car Company. He was the company’s founder and became the Division’s first general manager when it was purchased by Billy Durant and General Motors in 1909. Religiously devoted to accuracy of machining and quality construction, Leland recognized that in true interchangeability of parts lays the key to a great future automobile industry.

Cadillac Runabout (1903)

Cadillac Runabout (1903)

In 1901 Henry Leland had built a single-cylinder engine at his company Leland and Faulconer. The new engine was based on the plans of Oldsmobile founder Ransom E. Olds. With a background in manufacturing fine tools, Leland had a passion for precision engineering. He improved the engine to produce an astonishing 10.3 horsepower instead of 3.7 hp. Olds had no use for this engine, because his cars were simply unable to cope with all the horsepower it generated. As a result, Henry M. Leland and partners founded Cadillac out of the ashes of the Henry Ford Company (formerly Detroit Automobile Company) on August 22, 1902.

Marcel Renault

Marcel Renault

Marcel Renault was born in 1872 in Paris, France. His father, Alfred Renault had built a solid fortune in trade of fabrics and buttons and his mother Louise was a daughter of wealthy merchant. Marcel had two sisters and two brothers.

You might also be interested in these

BMW Motorsport Tent

BMW Motorsport Tent

The new BMW Motorsport Tent for 2013 effortlessly puts all BMW motorsport fans in pole position. Whether on the campsite, by the race track, or in the wild, this robust two-person tent can be put up – after a little practice – in just two minutes. The polyester sides with PU coating and taped seams ensure the tent is highly water resistant (waterhead rating of 5,000 mm) and can be used even in bad weather. The 220 x 150 x 110 cm interior remains dry and the side ventilation flaps provide fresh air.

By June 17, 2013 Read More →
New customisation options for Mini Countryman and Paceman

New customisation options for Mini Countryman and Paceman

From July 2013 the Mini Countryman and the Mini Paceman will offer wider range of customisation options. The new John Cooper Works Exterior Package is available for all engine and drivetrain variants of the Countryman and Paceman models. It comprises sport suspension settings, 18-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design and – as an addition for the model variants Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper SD – the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit, consisting of a front apron with integrated air ducts for brake cooling, model-specific side sills and a rear bumper with diffuser. In addition to bonnet strips in black or white, the Dark Style design package also emphasises the defiantly sporty character of those models fitted with the John Cooper Works Exterior Package. It comprises exterior mirror caps and turn indicator surrounds in Black Checkered, anthracite-coloured roof rails and – as an additional feature in the Mini Countryman – radiator grille ribs in anthracite.

By June 10, 2013 Read More →
Two new design packages available for BMW X5

Two new design packages available for BMW X5

The new BMW X5 can be ordered with two new design worlds as an alternative to the standard specification. Each package represents a harmonious blend of design, colours and materials. The design worlds for the exterior and interior can be selected independently – i.e. customers can combine them both with one another and with standard specification, as desired. In addition, the two interior design packages are also available in combination with the M Sport package. The design worlds also encompass the new-look remote control key with operating buttons in an extremely high-quality design.

Holden Colorado Thunder Pack

Holden Colorado Thunder Pack

Holden has increased the appeal of its popular Colorado light commercial vehicle workhorse range with the release of a special edition Thunder pack. Holden Colorado Thunder includes nudge bar, towing package, soft tonneau cover, front carpet floor mats, one-piece rear carpet floor mat, bonnet protector, slimline weather shields and Thunder badging.

Remote start now standard feature in OnStar-equipped models

Remote start now standard feature in OnStar-equipped models

GM announced the new RemoteLink Key Fob Services program for OnStar-equipped 2014 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models. It is available even if the owner don’t want to have any additional OnStar services. Thirty-six 2014 model year GM vehicles are compatible with the RemoteLink mobile app.

Cadillac sales increase largest since 1976

Cadillac sales increase largest since 1976

Cadillac’s year-to-date sales increase of 38 percent will be the brand’s largest since 1976, making the 110-year old brand the fastest growing major automotive brand in the U.S. The Cadillac ATS sport sedan has been instrumental in attracting new buyers. Roughly 70 percent of ATS buyers are choosing their first Cadillac. The XTS luxury sedan, introduced in the summer of 2012, had its best retail sales in May. Cadillac’s total sedan portfolio is up 122 percent so far in 2013.

Beautiful Bridges: Kärkinen Bridge (Finland)

Beautiful Bridges: Kärkinen Bridge (Finland)

Kärkinen Bridge, or Kärkisten Silta in Finnish, is located in central Finland about 35 kilometres south from the city of Jyväskylä. It connects the east side and the west side of Lake Päijänne, which is the second largest lake in Finland. Kärkinen Bridge is 787 meters long, which makes it the third longest bridge in Finland. The H-shaped pylons are 69 and 95 meters long. Before the bridge was built, about 800 cars crossed the strait by ferry. In the summer, the traffic doubled. Kärkinen Bridge was opened to the traffic at the end of August in 1997.

BMW X5 xDrive50i powered by the new V8 engine

BMW X5 xDrive50i powered by the new V8 engine

At the launch, the most powerful version of the BMW X5 is the xDrive50i with the new-generation V8 engine. It develops 10 per cent or 30 kW/43 hp more power (330 kW/450 hp) than its predecessor, and combines this with a 16 per cent reduction in average fuel consumption. The improvement is down to BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which in addition to twin turbochargers and High Precision Injection direct petrol injection now also includes Valvetronic variable valve timing, resulting in improved response and efficiency.

Louis Renault

Louis Renault

Louis Renault was born in 1877, in Paris, France. He was the fourth of six children of Alfred and Berthe Renault. Their father Alfred was a successful button manufacturer and fabric merchant. Louis Renault was fascinated by engineering and mechanics from an early age. At the family’s country home in Billancourt, outside Paris, he converted its garden shed into his first workshop.

BMW X5′s interior offers noticeable improvements

BMW X5′s interior offers noticeable improvements

The new BMW X5 offers noticeable advances over its predecessor with its luxurious ambience, enhanced ride comfort, spaciousness and seating comfort. Added to which, the array of possible uses for its generously sized interior has grown once again. The newly designed seats for the driver and front passenger ensure a high level of long-distance comfort and impressive lateral hold through dynamically taken corners. Comfort seats and sports seats (standard in the BMW X5 M50d) are available as options. Seat heating and comfort seats are both now also available for the rear compartment.