Land Rover Discovery 4 armoured vehicle

Land Rover has announced the new Discovery 4 Armoured Vehicle for those customers compelled to live between luxury and danger.

The Discovery 4 Armoured comes with an engine upgrade over the previous Discovery 3 model with a 5.0 liter LR-V8 petrol engine, developing 375 PS (276 kW) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft), replacing the previous 2.7 liter V6 diesel.

That 5.0 liter V8 is good for a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) accerlation time of 10.6 seconds. Sounds sluggish, yes, except for the fact that the Discovery 4 Armoured has a curb weight of 3550 kg / 7826 lbs (not including certain options) given all of its extra padding.

Developed with security specialists Centigon, the armour fitting includes ballistic steel plates for high-velocity ballistics as well as blast protection against 15 kg of TNT, or its equivalent, and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades. The vehicle's armour fitting is in accordance with European standards.

The Discovery 4 Armoured also comes with heavy wheels and run-flat tires.

Even with all the protective outfitting the vehicle still has a payload capacity of 500 kg (1102 lbs).

Chassis upgrades also include an air suspension, new air springs and revised damper settings, biggers roll bars and Alcon heavy-duty brakes to bring all that weight to a halt.

The all-wheel drive Discovery 4 Armoured is also fitted with a Terrain Response System which has various settings that adapt to most types of surfaces such as mud, grass or rocks.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured comes with a 3-year, 80,000 km factory warranty on both the vehicle and the armour.

Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110122030108/land-rover-discovery-4-armoured-vehicle-introduced#ixzz18hKlBAa4

Read More

Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove by Marangoni

Italian tire-maker Marangoni has tuned an Alfa Romeo Giulietta to be presented at the Bologna motor show this weekend.

The Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde and comes fitted with "M-Power iGreen" tires in 235/35R19 dimensions on Barracuda Karizzma 19-inch rims. The tires feature an acid green color that contrast well with the matte charcoal gray color of the G430's body.

A power upgrade to 286 PS (210 kW / 282 bhp) from the series 235 PS (173 kW / 232 bhp) is performed and a Ragazzon stainless steel sport exhaust system with wide tailpipes is added.

A body kit includes front bumper with two air inlets to feed the Tarox B360 braking system, side skirts, an F430 style carbon diffuser and an extended rear spoiler on the back window.

The suspension is lowered by 40 mm by means of a KW kit too.

For the interior of the Giulietta G430 iMove, Marangoni has partnered with Tuscan fashion house Conte of Florence. The finish is done in a golf motif using leather, Alcantara and carbon and embroidered with the designer's lily logo.

The Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni also comes with a Segway i2 in the trunk.

Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110120329873/alfa-romeo-giulietta-g430-imove-by-marangoni---green-tires#ixzz1761UvsvE

Read More

2011 Dodge Charger Revealed

Dodge has released the first images of the redesigned 2011 Charger.

Scheduled to go on sale later this year, the car features an aggressive front bumper, a massive grille, a rakish roofline and distinctive taillights (with 164 LED bulbs) which recall the 1969 Charger.

While no interior pictures were released, Dodge says the cabin has a three-spoke steering wheel and world-class materials. We'll hold off judgment on the latter, but we're happy to hear the Charger has gotten a major technology upgrade with options such as Uconnect Touch (with Garmin navigation), adaptive-cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Under the hood, engine options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. While the company declined to release performance specifications, a previous leak indicated the V6 will have 305 hp (227 kW / 309 PS) and 268 lb-ft (363 Nm) of torque. On the other hand, the V8 is expected to be rated at 379 hp (283 kW / 384 PS) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque.

As before, rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The latter has an active transfer case and a front-axle disconnect, which reverts the car to RWD when additional traction isn't required.

More information will be released closer to launch, so stay tuned for details.

source : Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110100528843/2011-dodge-charger-revealed#ixzz11WBG3B9D

Read More

Lamborghini Sixth Element Concept LEAKED

It was inevitable! One of the most hotly anticipated debuts for the biggest auto show of 2010 in Paris has been leaked. Not only do we have a name but a mildly distorted low resolution image which concurs with the five previously released teaser images.

Tipped to French site blogautomobile.fr the Sesto Elemento Concept (Sixth Element Concept) is made entirely of carbon fiber. With a weight of 999 kg (2202 lbs) no power output figures have been reported yet. However, it is powered by a V10 engine, as previously indicated in teaser number 2, and hits 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 2.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 350 km/h (217.5 mph).

Found in group 14 of the periodic table of chemical elements, carbon has an atomic number of 6.

With the proverbial beans spilled, we wonder if Lamborghini will still release the sixth and final teaser image tomorrow leading up to the vehicle's scheduled media reveal on the eve of its Paris debut on Thursday.

source : http://www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

JE Design VW Touareg

JE Design has unveiled a new styling and performance package for the Volkswagen Touareg.

To give the sport-ute an aggressive appearance, the tuner installed a widebody kit (€4,998) which includes a revised grille, a new front spoiler, extended wheel arches, a rear apron insert, and a roof-mounted spoiler. Furthermore, JE Design offers 22-inch aluminum wheels (€5,190), a dual exhaust (€595), and a suspension lowering module which reduces ride height by 35mm (€1,428).

In terms of performance, the company outfitted the 4.2-liter TDI engine with a revised ECU (€2999). It increases output from 340 PS (250 kW / 335 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) to 410 PS (302 kW / 404 hp) and 930 Nm (686 lb-ft). Thanks to the extra grunt, the Touareg accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 269 km/h (167 mph).

Souce and article : http://www.worldcarfans.com/110090328219/je-design-vw-touareg-gets-410ps

Read More

Ferrari 458 Italia recall

In the wake of several media reports of Ferrari 458 Italias catching fire, Ferrari has issued the recall of 1,248 units.

Previous reports put the total amount of destroyed vehicles at 10 over the course of three months. However, the Reuters report states five vehicles from California, Paris, Switzerland, China and one unnamed location were affected.

Following an investigation Ferrari determined the cause of the fires to be related to an adhesive used to attach a heat shield on the inside rear wheelwell housings. When exposed to high heat the adhesive melted and eventually ignited.

All recalled heat shields will be mounted with mechanical fasteners once the adhesive is removed Owners who had their vehicles damaged by fire will receive a new model, of course.

Source:www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Infiniti IPL G Coupe

Following this morning's spy photos, Infiniti has released official information about the 2011 IPL G Coupe.

As the first member of the Infiniti Performance Line, the IPL G Coupe features modified bumpers, aggressive side sills, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and exclusive 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires.

Inside, the cabin is nicely equipped with leather upholstery, red accent stitching, and 'Silk Obi' aluminum trim. Other goodies include a Bose audio system, GPS navigation, a RearView Monitor, and a moonroof.

Power is provided by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 348 hp (260 kW / 353 PS) and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque. It produces an extra 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 6 lb-ft (8 Nm) of torque - compared to the standard G Coupe - thanks to a high-flow exhaust and a revised ECU.

Dynamically, the IPL G Coupe has a sport suspension, stiffer springs (20% front / 10% rear), new shocks, a high performance braking system, and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD).

According to Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore, "When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel. The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases."

Pricing information wasn't released, but the car will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in December.

source: www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 sales launched

Mercedes has announced the SLS AMG GT3 will be priced from €334,000 (€397,460 with a 19% VAT).

Designed for GT3 racing, the car features a new front fascia, a ventilated hood, a carbon fiber front splitter, a rear diffuser, and a huge wing. Other goodies include a carbon-fiber (CFRP) safety cell, a steel braking system, a six-speed sequential racing transmission (with steering wheel shift paddles), and an integrated multi-disc locking differential.

Power is provided by a 6.3-liter (6208 cc) V8 engine, which is "virtually identical" to the one in the standard SLS AMG. It allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 186 mph (300 km/h).

While owners won't take delivery until February 2011, Mercedes will enter an SLS AMG GT3 in the VLN race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in September.

According to the head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, Norbert Haug, "The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 marks the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsport. This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private drivers." He added, "I am very pleased that the demand for this new and unique competition car is so great - there are many more enquiries for orders than can initially be dealt with."

source: www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

BMW Gran Coupe Concept confirmed for production as 6-Series

BMW has confirmed the Gran Coupe Concept has been approved for production. Design will be shared with the new 6 Series Coupe.

Speaking at an event in Munich, Klaus Draeger, a member of BMW's Board of Management, stated the GCC will become a 6-Series "four-door coupe." While he didn't go into specifics, he hinted the car would launch in late 2012.

To be marketed as the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, there are several different engines which will be offered: two petrols, two diesels, a hybrid, and an M version. This means we can expect a 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) 3.0-liter six-cylinder, a 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) 4.4-liter V8, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel with 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS), a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel with 245 hp (183 kW, 248 PS), a hybridized 3.0-liter petrol with a 54 hp (40 kW / 55 PS) electric motor, and a twin-turbo V8 with 555 hp (408 kW / 563 PS) to 570 hp (425 kW / 578 PS).

Besides talking about the production GCC, Draeger mentioned BMW has designed and built a 6-Series Shooting Brake. It hasn't been green-lighted, but market evaluation studies are currently underway.

source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Audi A7 leaked

Several pictures of the 2011 Audi A7 have leaked ahead of the car's unveiling tomorrow.

As expected, the production version closely resembles the A7 Sportback concept which debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The front end features an aggressive bumper, LED headlights, and a single frame grille. In profile, the A7 suffers from a minor case of Panamera-itus. Thankfully, the sloping roofline mitigates the styling concessions of the rear hatch, but overall, it still leaves something to be desired.

Inside, the cabin boasts leather upholstery, wood trim, and a pop-up navigation system. The overall design is reminiscent of the A8, but there are subtle differences which make the A7 cockpit unique. The door pads are redesigned, the center console is revised, and the dashboard has more wood trim.

Under the hood, engine options will include a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 272 PS (200 kW), a 4.2 liter V8 with 377 PS (277 kW), a 3.0-liter TDI with 253 PS (184 kW), and a 4.2 liter TDI with 355 PS (258 kW). Regardless of what engine is selected, a seven-speed DSG transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive will be standard.

Stay tuned to WCF for full coverage of the A7's unveiling at the Pinakothek der

www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Second generation SSC Ultimate Aero to debut August 8th

The next-generation Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero is coming next month and it has its sites set on defeating the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport as the world's fastest road car.

We don't know yet exactly what the next Ultimate Aero will be packing under the bonnet but, if it's going to take on the Veyron Super Sport's 1,200 hp and record 431 km/h (268 mph) top speed, it will need more than the 1,183 horsepower that the former Ultimate Aero TT delivered - the previous record-holder.

And in the rivalry for top-dog status amongst supercar makers, that Aero TT itself had broken an earlier record by the Veyron with a top speed of over 255 mph/410 km/h.

The Ulimate Aero, designed by Jason Castriota, creator of the Maserati GranTurismo, will have to feature improvements in power and aerodynamics if it is going to accomplish the task. We await details on what those improvements will be.

Shelby Supercars has picked the appropriate setting for the unveiling - Boeing's Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA. The event will take place Sunday, August 8.

source : http://www.worldcarfans.com/110072327521/second-generation-ssc-ultimate-aero-to-debut-august-8th

Read More

2012 Dodge Durango / Magnum spied uncovered

Kudos to our friends over at Autoblog, who spotted this photo of the 2012 Dodge Durango on social networking site Twitter. The large SUV shows many changes compared to the current model.

The Durango, which may come to market as the Magnum, has a reshaped grille with rounded sides, and intersecting darkened chrome bars. It features a remodeled bumper, new headlights, a broader hood, and nicer sidesills. It also looks to have body colored mirrors with indicators built in, and completely redesigned side windows with a blended in b-pillar and a thicker c-pillar. The new rear side window features a teardrop shape, giving the vehicle a more stylish look than the current version.

Look for the new Durango to be released sometime next year, possibly after an introduction in Detroit at the NAIAS. It could get a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that delivers 280 hp (209 kW, 284 PS), and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 360 hp (268 kW, 365 PS).

source : twitter.com via autoblog.com and www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

2011 Saleen S302

The 2011 Saleen S302, based on the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0, debuts this weekend at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Saleen Performance Vehicles said the first S302 coupes and convertibles should reach dealerships "in the coming weeks."

The S302's 5.0-liter V8 makes 425 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, compared with 412 hp and 390 lb-ft in the stock 2011 Mustang GT. The S302 also features a six-speed manual gearbox, LSD and 3.73:1 final drive ratio, as well as a Saleen Performance exhaust system and Racecraft suspension upgrades.

Saleen has performed the usual exterior modifications, including a new grille, hood, side skirts, front and rear fascias and rear wing. The car rides on 20-inch Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires mounted on Saleen Speedstar seven-spoke chrome alloy wheels.

New leather sport buckets with Ultrasuede inserts have been installed, as well as a piano black center console, revised gauges and a leather-wrapped shift lever.

source : http://www.insideline.com

Read More

G-Tech Abarth 500 RS-S

G-Tech has unveiled a new performance package for the Abarth 500.

Dubbed the RS-S, the package features Garrett loaders, larger injectors, new spark plugs, and a cat back exhaust system. These modifications enable the 1.4-liter engine to produce 207 hp (154 kW / 210 PS) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque, instead of 135 hp (103 kW / 138 PS) and 206 Nm (152 lb-ft). This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 226 km/h (140 mph).

Other goodies include a coilover suspension, green body accents, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

This particular car is priced from €29,360 ($37,745), but you can order the components individually.

source: www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Next generation Volkswagen Caddy revealed

Volkswagen has unveiled its latest commercial compact van earlier this week. The new Volkswagen Caddy will be sold with four choices of diesel engines, two of which are BlueMotion units, and two petrol models. The two BlueMotion TDI engines produce 75 and 102 PS (55 and 75 kW), but more powerful 110 and 140 PS (81 and 103 kW) turbo diesels are also on offer. Each features common rail direct injection and a particulate filter. While the 102 PS unit can get a seven-speed DSG and four-wheel drive, the 140 PS version gets hooked up to a remodeled six-speed DSG. To help keep fuel consumption low, the two BlueMotion units also get start/stop and regenerative braking. Consumption figures were only revealed for the 102-PS engine, which used 4.9 liters of diesel per 100 km, compared to 6.6 liters of fuel used by the most powerful petrol engine on offer. Two turbocharged direct injection TSI 1.2-liter petrol engines crank out 86 and 105 PS (63 and 77 kW). The 102-PS unit spews out 154 grams of CO2 per km. Several models of the van will be sold, including the panel and kombi versions of the Caddy, the Startline, Trendline and Comfortline versions for a more comfortable Caddy, and the Tramper camper van. All models of the van use a removable second row of seats, a first for the Caddy. Those buying the Caddy will find 3,030 liters of cargo space, but those needing a larger model can opt for the Caddy Maxi, which uses an extended wheelbase and ups cargo to 3,880 liters. Each model also gets ESP, daytime running lights and hill assist. Pricing has been reduced on the new Volkswagen Caddy, with a new retail tag beginning at €13,595 not including taxes. Those wanting a Startline model can expect to pay a minimum of €14,205. German sales for the VW Caddy will begin in September, with sales kicking off in other markets soon after. source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Maserati Quattroporte S and Sport GT S by Novitec Tridente

German tuning firm Novitec Tridente has released a new tuning package for the Maserati Quattroporte. Modifications to the eight-cylinder 4.7-liter engine boost power by over 37 percent.

This means a jump of 160 hp (118 kW) on the Quattroporte S to a total 590 hp (434 kW). Torque on the engine is improved by allmost 17 percent to a maximum of 572 Nm (422 lb-ft). On its own, the engine converstion costs a minimum €19,900.

It translates to a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.6 seconds, and 14.9 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph). Top speed on the car is 295 km/h (183 mph).

The engine tuning package is also available for the Quattroporte Sport GT S. Mods include a cogged-belt-driven mechanical supercharger with 0.35 bar boost pressure, water-to-air intercooler, with its own water circulation system, larger injectors, and a custom intake manifold. Naturally, the engine control unit was also adapted.

Customers can also order three-piece 21-inch wheels measuring 9J in front and 11J in back, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires. To add to the car's sporty look, engineers also developed a new carbon fiber rear spoiler. A coil-over suspension is available with several settings and continuous height adjustment.

New interior equipment may also be purchased, such as leather, Alcantara, and various entertainment equipment. Pricing on non-engine related modifications were not revealed.

source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

BMW 5-Series F10 Hamann

Hamann has unveiled the first styling package for the 2011 BMW 5-Series (F10).

The body kit features a front spoiler (mounts to OE bumper), aggressive side skirts, a rear bumper center valence, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a trunk-mounted spoiler. If that doesn't spark your interest, Hamann also offers a lowering kit (which reduces ride height approximately 35mm), 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running light inserts (mounts to OE bumper), and a stainless steel four-tailpipe sport exhaust system (for the 550i).

Inside, customers can order a carbon fiber package (which adds trim pieces to the dashboard, doors, center console, and steering wheel), aluminum pedals, and branded floor mats.

Pricing information wasn't released, but the accessories will "be available shortly."

source: www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R

For the 2011 model year, Hyundai will release an R-Spec version of the Genesis Coupe with the DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. The car will be able to hit 149 mph thanks to the 306-horsepower (228-kW) engine and its close ratio six-speed manual transmission. Other features on the car include 13.4-inch (340-mm) front, 13.0-inch (330-mm) rear ventilated discs, with four-piston red brake calipers, all from Brembo. Surrounding this are new 19-inch alloy wheels, painted in gunmental, and covered by Bridgestone Potenza tires. Aside from the limited-slip differential, the car also gets a track-tuned suspension with performance shocks and springs, 25-mm front and 22-mm rear stabilizer bars, and a front strut brace. A front camber kit is included, and can be installed at the dealership if need be. Control systems on the car include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability and traction control. Six airbags are also installed. Automatic headlights, cruise control and various metal trim pieces are not added to the car in effort to bring down cost and weight. Despite this, black leather with red cloth inserts are included. Automatic transmission is also not an option on the car. You can read more about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec in the press release below. Look for the car to be slotted just below the 3.8 Grand Touring, and be priced at about $26,750. source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

MTE Volkswagen Golf IV R32 - 790hp

MTE has unveiled a highly modified Volkswagen Golf IV R32.

Under the hood, the German tuner speciallizing in turbo conversions installed turbos plus intercooler along with larger injectors, modified cylinder head, forged pistons, high performance camshafts, and an optimized ECU. Thanks to these tweaks, the twin-turbo 3.2-liter V6 pushing 2.2 bar of boost with a compression ratio of 7.8:1 produces 790 hp (589 kW / 801 PS) and 1200 Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to run the quarter mile in 10.7 seconds at 216 km/h (134 mph).

To cope with the abundance of power, MTE added a Sachs two-disc sintered clutch in addition to a KW Coilover 'Club Sport' suspension, semi-slick tires, and a high-performance braking system (with 360mm discs and six-piston Brembo calipers).

source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Ferrari 458 Challenge REVEALED

Ferrari has unveiled the 458 Challenge at the company's annual dealer meeting in Maranello.

Based on the 458 Italia, the Challenge features a modified dual-clutch F1 gearbox, an 'E-Diff' electronic differential, and an 'F1-Trac' traction control system with settings for wet / dry conditions. Other goodies include a race suspension (with solid aluminum bushings, stiffer springs, and single-rate dampers), high performance Brembo CCM2 brakes (from the 599XX), and 19-inch wheels outfitted with Pirelli tires.

To reduce the car's weight, Ferrari used thinner body panels, carbon fiber components, and Lexan windows. While the company declined to release detailed specifications, the 458 Italia scales in at 1380 kg (3042 lbs).

Power is provided by a 4497 cc V8 engine that produces 570 PS (562 hp / 419 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the race car to lap the Fiorano test circuit in 1 minute, 16.5 seconds - two seconds faster than the F430 Challenge.

According to Ferrari, the 458 Challenge "...is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world's leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari's one-make championship."

source: www.worldcarfans.com

Read More

Dodge launches Viper Cup Series

Even though Dodge recentlyended production of the Viper, the model is still getting a racing series of its own.

The 2010 Dodge Viper Cup began its season at the Virginia International Raceway this past weekend (July 10 and 11) and will feature 10 races in all taking place over the summer and fall. Participating in the series will be 12 Dodge Viper ACR-X race cars and race coverage will be provided by sports channel VERSUS, which will broadcast 30-minute edited versions of each race.

The Viper ACR-X is non-street legal race car fitted with an 8.4 liter V10 engine with 640 hp ( 477 kW) and 605 lb-ft (820 Nm) of torque, slightly more than the production Viper. Dodge had built a total of 50 units of the race-only Viper. It comes with a roll-cage and a specially-tuned race suspension, amongst other racing component additions.

The racing series is being sponsored by Michelin tires and features a top prize of $25,000. Drivers participating in some of the races include Shaun Bailey of Road and Track magazine and an Olympic bobsledder, Mike Kohn, who is currently a sergeant in the Army National Guard.

source : www.worldcarfans.com

Read More