2013 April Archive | Auto Speed Market

‘Jaguar Heritage Racing’ has a rich and long history

15-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

Jaguar Heritage Racing – The Technical Story

Jaguar Cars has a rich and long history, from the humble origins of the Swallow Sidecar company in 1922 through to the successful multi-national company of today. In 2010, Jaguar celebrated its 75th anniversary.

With Jaguar’s Test Centre based at the ever-challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife, Jaguar Racing Heritage took to the world famous track to celebrate its sporting legacy and the technical story of Jaguar that has helped shape the driving experience of the modern era.

Please enjoy the attached video!

Dacia Logan STCC

14-04-2013Auto Speed Market 2 comments

The car dubbed the Dacia STCC Edition uses a body inspired by the firms Logan model. Logan is a popular model build by Dacia, a romanian company accuired by Renault.

The Dacia Logan STCC has been captured on video ahead of its racing debut in the Swedish Touring Car Championship scheduled for May 3-4.

The Dacia Logan STCC is manufactured by Swedish firm Solution F and uses a V6 3.5-liter mid-mounted engine producing more than 400 bhp (298 kW). The mill is linked to a 6-speed sequential gearbox and helps the 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) racer sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in three seconds, en route to a top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).

A Race track is probably the last place you’d expect to see a Dacia Logan on, but thanks to the Company’s Swedish dealer the car is going to compete at this year’s STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship), and by the looks of things it is ready to see some action. So apart from the body shell, this car isn’t really a Dacia. But still, it is quite cool to see an economy car tear up the track like this. Kudos to Dacia and Swedish team Solution F.

The New Toyota RAV4

12-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

One of the most reliable vehicles in the Toyota stable, the RAV4 has been produced since 1994, and was most recently updated in 2006; the 2013 versions offer even more durability, as well as a sleeker design, and some efficient engine modes that use Toyota’s Integrated Dynamic Drive system.

As a sports utility vehicle, the RAV4 is one of the leading competitors to the Mazda CX-5 for value, and is set to be spun off into an all electric model later this year. At present, the RAV4 is one of the most comprehensively packaged sports utilities on the market, and should be considered by families and drivers that want long term durability.

Drivers have a choice of several trims for the RAV4 – these include the entry level Active, the mid range Icon, and the premium Invincible. All these trims have a variation on the RAV4’s standard and all wheel driving system, as well as an automatic petrol option alongside diesel engines.

The 2.0 litre petrol engine is the most powerful in terms of speed, while the 2.0 and 2.2 litre diesel engines deliver better economy at 57.6 mpg for the 2.0 diesel, and 176 g/km of CO2 emissions for the 2.2 diesel. The diesel engines are best if you want to get a low mileage, and if you’re not particularly invested in having a sports utility vehicle that can rapidly accelerate.

Exterior upgrades to the 2013 RAV4 from the earlier model include swept back lights, less of a scallop line, and a curvier, sleeker appeal. The driving position in the RAV4 has also been adjusted for a higher vantage point, while you get plenty of space within the rear. Handling for the RAV4 is flexible, if not going to deliver significant speed on the road – the larger diesel engines are slightly noisier, but still capable of cruising on the motorway.

The 1600kg weight RAV4 is stabilised against rolling, although you probably won’t want to push the RAV4 too fast on tight corners.

For interiors, the RAV4 comes with Bluetooth, air conditioning, a CD Player, and a home lighting system as standard, and extras for higher trims that include Dual Zone Air Conditioning, rear view cameras, leather steering wheels, roof rails, and leather seats. The Invincible trim version of the RAV4 also has a keyless push button start installed.

The five seater RAV4 also gives you plenty of space. When combined with optional extras for roof racks, the RAV4 is ideal for large families, and is tough enough to stand up to extended periods of driving overseas.

So, what do get out of the RAV4? Primarily, you get a competitive economy and Toyota’s reputation for durability; the RAV4 is in a low tax band, and has a five year warranty, putting it ahead of the three year warranties usually given with sports utility vehicles.

Safety features also include a hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat fixings, and aftercare maintenance that pushes the RAV4 in front of its rivals for durability. Toyota are also set to release an all electric version of the RAV4 by the end of 2013, which will further increase its economy.

Guest posts offered by Lisa Jane

2014 Audi R8 line pricing released

12-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

2014 Audi R8 line pricing released The new 2014 Audi R8 is officially on sale as of April 11th, 2013 The R8 has established itself as an icon in the short time since its introduction in 2008. The new 2014 Audi R8 is more dynamic and powerful than ever and...

Audi A3 Sedan

11-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

The 2014 Audi A3 appears to be a cool and classy-looking luxury ride. But if you’re hankering for a hatchback, you’d better not wait for the new model. The next A3 is coming to the U.S. only in sedan format, whereas the 5-door hatchback continues to be offered in Europe. Rubbing some salt in the wound is the fact that the A3 sedan is arriving only after the hatchback goes on sale in other markets.

On top of these, Audi has confirmed that its A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-In Hybrid, revealed just last month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, will also be offered in the U.S. This model will offer a peak output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, an electric-only range of about 30 miles and fuel economy approaching 100 mpg-equivalent.

The base 2015 Audi A3 will offer the 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which rates at 170 horsepower and sends drive to the front wheels only. Next in line is the 2.0-liter TDI, which rates at a lower 150 horsepower but should have a healthy torque rating.

The A3 e-tron Plug-In Hybrid features a 1.4-liter TFSI engine paired with an electric motor and delivers the aforementioned 204-horsepower peak rating.

At the top of the ladder is the 2.0-liter TFSI, which will be offered in the A3 quattro and sporty S3 all-wheel-drive models. Audi hasn’t released figures for this engine, but overseas it outputs as much as 300 horsepower.

2013 All-New Ford EcoSport Revealed

11-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

The all new Ford EcoSport makes its much anticipated debut in ASEAN at the 34th Bangkok Motor Show, tapping into a growing desire in the region for an urban SUV that combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport...

Renault Scénic Xmod: Prices

11-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

Renault Scénic Xmod marks the final step in the renewal process of the brand’s compact MPV range after New Renault Scénic and New Renault Grand Scénic went on sale in March. Renault Scénic Xmod can be specified in a choice of three equipment levels, namely ZEN, BUSINESS and BOSE. While...

2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special

10-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

Ford today reveals the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor’s existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center...

Aston Martin Rapide S – Technical Overview

08-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

Creating the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car was a technical challenge relished by the industry-leading Aston Martin engineering team.

The Aston Martin Rapide S is a four-door ultra-luxury sedan that borrows styling elements and mechanical components from the brand’s elegant sports cars. Though many of its rivals serve up more space for the rear passengers, the Rapide S does offer enough room for four adults to go along with its exotic looks and impressive performance.

Filmed at the Rapide S global media launch Aston Martin Director of Product Development Ian Minards gives an overview of the many innovative technical and engineering features, including the assertive new front grille.

MINI Paceman, an international urban artist

08-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

Based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology, this system optimises both the engine’s responses and its efficiency. Under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper S Paceman, this system joins forces with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection to generate maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp at 5,500 rpm. Plus, peak torque of 240 Newton metres (177 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. An overboost function is at the driver’s disposal to provide particularly powerful bursts of acceleration, increasing torque to as much as 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) for a short time between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.

All of which enables the MINI Cooper S Paceman to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.8 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 217 km/h / 135 mph (212 km/h / 132 mph). Despite this smile-inducing acceleration, average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at an impressive 6.1 (7.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 46.3 (39.8) mpg imp and CO2 emissions are just 143 (166) grams per kilometre.

Developing maximum output of 90 kW/122 hp at 6,000 rpm and with peak torque of 160 Newton metres (118 lb-ft) available from 4,250 rpm, the engine powering the MINI Cooper Paceman also has what it takes to fuel plenty of sporty driving fun. The 0-100 km/h / 62 mph dash is all over in 10.4 seconds (automatic: 11.5 seconds) and top speed stands at 192 km/h / 119 mph (184 km/h / 114 mph). Average fuel consumption for the MINI Cooper Paceman in the EU test cycle is 6.0 (7.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 47.1 (39.2) mpg imp, while CO2 emissions come in at 140 (168) grams per kilometre.

A turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct injection allows the diesel powerplants driving the MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman to offer both instantaneous pulling power and exceptionally low fuel consumption. What’s more, the engines’ aluminium construction allows weight to be kept impressively low and smoothness to take a front seat. The engine fitted in the MINI Cooper SD Paceman produces maximum output of 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm from its 2.0-litre displacement. Maximum torque of 305 Newton metres (225 lb-ft) can be accessed between 1,750 and 2,700 rpm. The resultant power delivery allows the MINI Cooper SD Paceman to sprint from rest to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 9.2 seconds (automatic: 9.4 seconds) and hands it a top speed of 200 (197) km/h / 124 (122) mph. The impressive efficiency of the more powerful of the two diesel engines is reflected in average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.6 (5.7) litres per 100 kilometres / 61.4 (49.6) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 122 (150) grams per kilometre.

The MINI Cooper D Paceman also stands out with its superb balance of brawn and economy. Its diesel powerplant has 1.6-litre displacement, rising to 2.0 litres if the optional automatic gearbox is specified. Maximum output stands at 82 kW/112 hp and is available from 4,000 rpm, while peak torque of 270 Newton metres (199 lb-ft) is served up between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper D Paceman accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 10.8 seconds (automatic: 11.2 seconds) on the way to a top speed of 187 (182) km/h / 116 (113) mph. The exemplary efficiency of this variant is headlined by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.4 (5.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 64.2 (50.4) mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 115 (149) grams per kilometre.

Six-speed automatic gearbox and ALL4 all-wheel drive on the options list.

MINI Paceman – Explosion – MINI Canada tasked an international urban artist to help them create an explosive piece that helps highlight the design, style and bite of the new MINI Paceman.

Source.

Renault TWIN’Z All-new Concept car

08-04-2013Auto Speed Market 1 comment

Renault and British designer Ross Lovegrove today took the wraps off Twin’Z. This concept car is the fruit of their close collaboration and brings together two worlds where Design plays an important role : the world of furniture and that of the automobile. As the ‘Play’ petal of Renault Design’s...

2014 BMW X4 Concept unveiled

05-04-2013Auto Speed MarketComments are closed

BMW hopes to duplicate the success of the X6 with a smaller, X3-based crossover. BMW is planning to build an X4. Based on the X3 architecture, this compact crossover will be to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5. That means the X4 will borrow its underpinnings—including powertrains—from...

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