Hennessey's 2013 Camaro ZL1 HPE700 Dyno'd and Track Tested

As fast as the regular Camaro ZL1 may be (actually, it's the fastest and most powerful series-production Camaro ever built), there's one company that believers there's always room for improvement: Hennessey Performance.
The Texas-based tuner offers four different packages for the 580hp Camaro ZL1 named HPE650, HPE700, HPE800 and HPE1000, with the numbers (approximately) representing the output of the car's 6.2-liter supercharged V8.
In Hennessey Performance's latest video, the founder of the company, John Hennessey, took some time off to show us the 2013 Camaro ZL1 with the HPE700 package that boosts the V8's grunt to 707bhp at 6,300 rpm on the crank in action.
There's also a second clip featuring the same manual gearbox model on the dyno, where it managed to spin the rollers at 678-horses and 601 lb-ft of peak torque at the rear wheels.

VIDEO

BBR Launches New Supercharger Conversions for Mazda MX-5 Mk3 Increasing Output Up To 258HP

Monday, October 08, 2012Categories:BBR,Mazda,Mazda MX-5 / Miata,Tuning |
Mazda aficionados, especially those interested in tuning upgrades, are more than likely aware of BBR (Brodie Britain Racing), which has been tinkering MX-5 roadsters for quite some time now.

The UK-based company has added two new versions for the 2005-onwards MX-5s, aka Mk3/3.5, with 1.8- and 2.0-liter engines.

BBR has been developing its Cosworth-based supercharger for the past 12 months in order to perfect the upgrade kit for all different variants of the third-generation MX-5. In addition, BBR has also replaced the “piggy back” Interceptor engine control unit with a Starchip-developed remap.

The tuner's offerings start with the Stage One kit that includes, among other things, an Eaton 4th generation MP62 Supercharger, an intercooler, StarChip ECU, high flow calibrated injectors and replacement air box.

It brings the 1.8-liter engine's output to 217 bhp and its torque to 176 lb-ft (238 Nm), an increase of 93 bhp and 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) respectively compared to the stock Mazda engine.

The 2.0-liter unit gains 77 bhp in Mk3 and 83 bhp in the higher-revving Mk3.5 models, as well as 51 lb-ft (69 Nm) increase in both models, bringing output to 235 bhp and 241 bhp respectively.

MX-5 owners looking for more performance can opt for the Stage Two conversion, which in addition to the parts mentioned above, includes a new exhaust system, a performance air filter and a more aggressive tune for the ECU.

With the Stage 2 kit, output climbs by an impressive 107 bhp in the 1.8-liter engine, to 231 bhp and by 94 and 100 bhp in the 2.0-liter Mk3 and Mk3.5 versions, to 252 and 258 bhp respectively. Torque increases by 67 and 69 lb-ft (91 and 93 Nm) for the 1.8 and 2.0 engines.

The BBR-Cosworth upgrades are readily available with the Stage One kit priced at £4,995 (US$8,005) excluding VAT and the export DIY kit at £4,295 (US$6,884).

Stage Two costs £6,395 (US$10,250) excluding VAT, when fitted at the tuner's UK factory, while the export kit is more affordable at £5,455 (US$8,743).

By Andrew Tsaousis

Volvo UK Puts a Price Tag on New V40 R-Design and Cross Country Models

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:New Cars,UK,Volvo,Volvo V40 |
Following their recent world premiere at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, Volvo UK has confirmed pricing and specifications for the new additions to the range of its V40 premium hatchback, the sporty R-Design and tall riding Cross Country models.
Both models are available to order now with first customer deliveries to arrive in Britain in January next year.
Beginning with the V40 Cross Country, on-the-road prices start from £22,595 for the 113bhp (115PS) front wheel drive and diesel-powered D2 SE rising to £33,875 for the 251bhp (254PS) T5 Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav with All-Wheel Drive (the only AWD model in the range).
All base Cross Country SE models offer autofolding door mirrors with ground lights and black mirror covers, 16-inch alloy wheels, rain sensor, tread plates and silver roof rails as standard.
Moving up to the Cross Country Lux versions adds leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED day-running lights, rear reading and theatre lighting.
The other new model in the V40's range is the R-Design, which spruces up the hatchback's appearance with a styling package that includes, among other things, re-profiled bumpers, rear diffuser, 17-inch wheels, silver matt door mirrors, unique upholstery and trim.
Volvo also offers a "Lux" version of the R-Design grade that complements the standard specification with leather-faced R-Design embossed seats, active bending xenon headlights with cleaning system, rain sensor, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.
Prices for the V40 R-Design start from £22,295 for the 113bhp (115PS) D2 and top out at £31,390 for the petrol engine-powered 251bhp (254PS) T5 Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav.

BMW Group Reports Best Ever September Sales with Close to 180,000 Deliveries

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:BMW,MINI,Reports,Rolls Royce |
On Tuesday, the BMW Group, which includes the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, released details of sales for the month of September.
The German automaker delivered 177,716 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 11.6 percent over the same month last year and a new record for September.
BMW said it was also the best first nine months for the company, with sales up 8.3 per cent compared to the same period last year for a total of 1,335,502 units for the three brands.
Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW, welcomed the results and said that the company is on course to meet its sales targets for the year.
"We made solid gains in many of our markets last month and were once again able to achieve record sales in September, despite the difficult environment in some European countries," said Robertson. "Our models continue to perform well and we expect to see further healthy growth in worldwide sales in the fourth quarter. We are well on course to achieving a new sales record for the whole year.”
From January through the end of September, the BMW brand sold 1,109,962 units globally, up 8.6 per cent from last year, while the MINI brand delivered 223,314 cars (+7.2 per cent). Rolls Royce was the only car brand in the group to see its sales drop (by 4.7 per cent) in the first nine months of the year to 2,326 cars.

Peugeot Reducing Production of New 208 Supermini as European Sales Slow Down

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:Peugeot,Peugeot 208,Reports |
The Peugeot 208 may be the French firm's newest and hottest product and the second most popular supermini in Europe after the VW Polo, but the economic downturn in the region has put a dent in sales.
A Peugeot spokesperson, who was not named, told Autonews Europe that the brand is cutting output and its sales outlook for the 208 sub-compact hatchback on weak demand in the European market, without providing any specific numbers.
Over the past few days, however, there have been reports from the media saying that Peugeot has reduced its sales target for 2012 from 175,000 to 140,000 units of the 208, while a representative from the CGT union told the news site that the automaker will cut the night shift for production of the supermini at its Poisy plant in November.
"The overall Europe market is weak and the second half of this year will be weaker than what was expected a few months ago," Deutsche Bank analyst Gaetan Toulemonde told the European publication. "It is unfortunate that the car was launched at a time when the market was so weak."
The new 208 was launched in Europe this past April and has sold 74,487 units through the end of August, making it the region's third bestselling model behind the VW Golf and VW Polo, according to data provided by JATO Dynamics.
At the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot revealed the latest addition to the 208's range, the high-performance GTi powered by a 1.6-liter turbo'd engine with 197-horses.

Small Cars Sales on the Rise in the U.S., Could Account for 20 Percent of the Market this Year

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:Chevrolet,Ford,GM,Honda,Reports,Toyota |
Big may be beautiful, but when reality bites, small can prove to be a choice that makes more sense. High fuel prices, along with the fact that subcompact and compact cars are better than ever have resulted in the small car segment being on track to achieve its best-ever market share since 1993 when it held 20.5 percent of the market.

Last month, sales of small cars exploded by 50 percent compared to the same month in 2011 according to Autodata Corp. As a result, the segment accounted for 20.2 percent of September deliveries, the most since July and August 2009, and 19.3 percent of the market year to date.

This trend signals a change in new car buyers’ choice, according TrueCar.com industry analyst Jesse Torpak.

“Traditionally small cars were purchased by people who couldn’t afford anything else”, he told Bloomberg News. “Right now, that’s not the case. We see people choosing them because they find them more appealing”, he added.

Tom Libby, an analyst at R.L. Polk & Co., concurs that current small cars have improved significantly: "Whether it's the Civic or the Focus or the Sonic or whatever, everybody agrees these are much, much better cars with more integrity than their predecessors."

Brands like Toyota or Honda are leading the trend, as they have traditionally been very strong in this segment, but U.S. carmakers are threatening their dominance.

In fact, GM’s Chevrolet was the best-selling small car brand in September thanks to its Sonic and Cruze models leading the subcompact and compact segments respectively.

Moreover, Ford’s small car deliveries were the highest in any September in a decade with the Fiesta selling 24,628 and the Focus 19,736 units.

The Chrysler-Fiat Group also had a very good month: the Fiat 500 mini sold 4,176 units, up 51 percent, and the Dodge Dart that was launched in July sold 72 percent more cars than in August.

"It's cool and hip right now to be frugal", said Tamara Darvish, vice president of Darcars Automotive Group in Silver Spring, which owns seven Toyota and Scion franchises. "Consumers are thinking much more logically than emotionally compared to how they did in the past."

By Andrew Tsaousis

Story References: Bloomberg

New SsangYong Korando Sports Pick-up Truck-SUV Hybrid Priced from £18,295

South Korea's idea of the Chevrolet Avalanche goes by the name SsangYong Korando Sports and it is now available for order in the United Kingdom at on-the-road prices that range from £18,295 to £21,245.
The Korando Sports is an SUV with a flat, pickup truck-like bed providing a 2.04 square meter load area to fit a Euro pallet and comes complete with load deck liner and anchor points.
As an option, SsangYong offers a rigid hard top with a hinged rear window that closes behind the tailgate, color matched to the rest of the vehicle.
As for the target audience, the Korean carmaker says that the Korando Sports will appeal to those who "need a working vehicle, the practicality of 4 wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 2.3 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car".
The Korando Sports is offered in two trim levels. The base SX comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity.
Moving up to the EX will get you leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors.
All models are powered by a Euro 5 2.0-liter turbo diesel generating 153hp (155PS) and peak torque of 360Nm (265 lb-ft) delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm. A manual gearbox comes as standard while the EX can be equipped with an optional 6 speed automatic transmission.
SsangYong says the Korando Sports returns up to 37.7mpg UK on the combined cycle.

Brabus Tunes New Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake in Both Regular and AMG Trims

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:AMG,Brabus,Diesel,Mercedes,Mercedes CLS,Tuning |
It's only been three days since Mercedes-Benz began European deliveries of its spanking-new CLS Shooting Brake (on October 6, 2012), yet Brabus has already announced the launch of its first aftermarket enhancements for the stylish estate model.

The initial program includes a variety of cosmetic and performance upgrades for both the standard models and the flagship AMG variant.

Beginning with the four-cylinder, diesel-powered CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the ECO PowerXtra D4 performance kit bumps output from 201hp (204PS) to 232hp (235PS) and peak torque to 560 Nm (446 lb-ft).

For the V6 diesel-powered CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the ECO PowerXtra D6S tuning kit offers two stages selected through the transmission program of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox.

In Eco mode, only peak torque is increased, from standard 620Nm to 690Nm (509 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, while once Sport mode is selected, the increase in peak torque is accompanied by a boost in output from 261hp (265PS) to 308hp (313PS) allowing for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.9 seconds.

Moving on to the 4.7-liter V8 gasoline-powered CLS 500, the B50 power package lifts output from 402hp (408PS) to 493hp (500PS) and peak torque to 720 Nm (531 lb-ft). Together with the removal of the speed limiter, the V8 wagon can hit a top speed of 300km/h (186mph).

Naturally, Brabus also offers a tune for the CLS 63 AMG model. Thanks to the new ECU and an additional water-to-air intercooler powered by an auxiliary electric pump, the 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 delivers 610hp (619PS), up from 518hp (525PS), while peak torque is boosted to 1.000Nm (737 lb-ft). With this package, the AMG model can sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.2 seconds and max out at 320 km/h (200 mph).

Brabus' performance offerings also include a special sport exhaust system with a butterfly valve for the CLS 63 that allows the driver to switch between a discrete “Coming Home” mode and  a “Sport” mode for a throatier exhaust note.

For all other models, the German tuner offers stainless-steel quad sport exhaust systems, a clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent, and sport springs plus an electronic module that lowers the ride height of cars equipped with the semi-active AIRMATIC air suspension system by about 35mm (1.37 inches).

The regular models can be fitted with an aero package comprising a front spoiler, front fascia attachments with integrated LED daytime running lights, sport fenders and side skirts with integrated entrance lights.

For the AMG sport package-equipped versions, Brabus has developed a front spoiler lip that attaches to the underside of the front fascia, while for the CLS 63 AMG, there's a front apron and fender attachments with backlit 'BRABUS' logo.

Alloy wheel options includes rims in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20, the latter fitted with tires 255/30 ZR 20 in front and 295/25 ZR 20 at the rear axle.

Finally, there's a variety of interior goodies including bespoke upholsteries, scuff plates with backlit 'BRABUS' logo, different speedometers, and aluminum trims.

Spied: All-New 2013 Skoda Octavia will Share Platform and Engines with New Golf 7

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:Nurburgring,Scoops,Skoda,Skoda Octavia,Skoda Scoops |
After eight years in the market, it's time for Skoda's successful family notchback to slowly give its place to a brand new Octavia that will make its world premiere sometime next year, either at the Geneva Salon in March or at the Frankfurt Motor Show later on in September.

For the first time, our scoop shooters seized a prototype of the production Octavia Mk3 as the Czech firm's engineers were performing high-speed tests at the Nürburgring track in Germany.

Evidently, it's not east to tell what's going on under the psychedelic-themed camouflage, but we can see that the third generation of Skoda's bread and butter model has a more athletic shape than the current Octavia with a lower front end and a sleeker roofline.

We cannot be completely sure from these images, but it is likely that the new model will keep the Octavia's traditional notchback styling that disguises a hatch tailgate.

As for the design details, the front and rear ends of the car will draw their inspiration from Skoda's latest concept models like the VisionD.

The next Octavia will be the first Skoda model to utilize the VW Group's new and extremely flexible platform structure named MQB that underpins vehicles such as the latest VW Golf, Seat Leon and Audi A3, among other cars.

It will also use the same four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines found on the aforementioned models including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit for the performance RS (vRS in the UK) variant with an output of around 220-horsepower that will be connected to either six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions.

The sedan version will be followed up by a replacement for the Estate (station wagon) model.

Due to the addition of the smaller Rapid notchback sedan to Skoda's range, it's believed that the new Octavia will move more upmarket in terms of quality and equipment features and thus, will be priced slightly higher than the current model.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop

Lamborghini Rumored to Debut Aventador Roadster this Fall and Aventador 4-Seater GT Study in Geneva

Tuesday, October 09, 2012Categories:Future Cars,Lamborghini,Lamborghini Aventador,Lamborghini Concepts |
The latest news for Lamborghini comes to us from Britain's Car Magazine, which is reporting that the Italian supercar maker is preparing to unveil two new models, one of which is a concept, over the next six months.

The first model isn't much of a surprise as it concerns the roadster version of the Aventador, through, we are told that it could break cover as early as this autumn before it goes on sale in spring or summer of 2013, depending on the market.

The report goes on to say that, the V12-powered Aventador Roadster will likely be fitted with a retractable hard-top, much like the ones used on the McLaren MP4-12C Spider and Ferrari 459 Italia Spider.

While we were expecting some news sooner or later on the Aventador Roadster, the second new model mentioned by Car, will lift an eyebrow or two.

The report says that Lamborghini is preparing to introduce a new Aventador GT Concept car at the next Geneva Salon in March of 2013.

There's not a lot of information on the study yet, but the GT is said to be a four-seater version of the regular Aventador, likely featuring an extended wheelbase to make space for two small seats at the back along with short rear suicide panels – possibly like the ones on the discontinued Mazda RX-8.

This wouldn't be Lamborghini's first 2+2-seater sportscar with a mid-engine layout as the Italian company had produced the Urraco (see pictures below) from 1973 to 1979.

2013 Volkswagen Golf

Despite offering more room for passengers and more advanced technological features than ever before, new production techniques contribute to the Volkswagen Golf Mk VII being up to 100 kg lighter than the car it replaces, helping to make it up to 23 per cent more efficient than before. On top of this, the new Golf is also safer than ever, thanks not just to a stronger body structure (which is also 23 kg lighter) but also to a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems.

2013 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

For 2013, Ram Heavy Duty trucks feature new frames built with high-strength 50 KSI steel, including eight separate cross-members, hydroformed main rails and fully boxed rear rails for optimal strength and mass efficiency. Wider front frame rails (approximately one inch per side; two inches overall) enable front suspension springs to be positioned slightly outboard, an enabler for generating more positive roll stiffness. A new front suspension cross member is now a two-piece welded component between the front axle and oil pan.

2013 Honda CR-Z

The 2013 Honda CR-Z can be identified by a range of styling upgrades that emphasise the coupe’s sporty appeal. Style conscious motorists will appreciate the Honda CR-Z’s new front bumper design, which frames a revised grille. This is complemented at the rear by a new aerodynamic diffuser design, while striking 17inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches of the GT model. Two bold new colours, Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet, further enhance the CR-Z’s stylish looks. Honda has updated the hybrid’s interior with a new colour scheme, while revisions to the door casings improve cabin storage.

2013 Maserati GranCabrio Sport

The GranCabrio Sport, which comes with a modern V8 engine that has already become a classic, adopts the most recent innovations in the field of engineering to deliver greater power and torque.
Both the hardware and software of the engine have been improved significantly, improving its power by 10 HP and torque by 10 Nm, without adversely affecting consumption or emissions.

2013 G-Power G1 V8 Hurricane RS

Based on the BMW 1 M Coupe, G-POWER presents a new high-speed car, the G1 V8 HURRICANE RS. With the G1 V8 HURRICANE RS, G-POWER is making itself an early birthday present in preview of the upcoming 30Th anniversary next year. And for this special occasion G-POWER has fulfilled itself a heart’s desire by building a manufactory automobile based on a 1 M Coupé the way it should have been delivered directly from the M-GmbH.

2012 Prior Design Audi R8 GT850 Widebody

Prior Design tuners turn the “standard” R8 into a brutal PD-GT850 racing style car. Its outfit would fit the der Nürburgring Nordschleife as well. The front was entirely revised. A front apron with widenings and an integrated carbon spoiler was installed. Additionally, two air inlet covers were integrated that are applied with two carbon struts each. The motor cowl has an integrated air outlet with four lamellae. A set of new front mudguards ensure a much wider look. Prior-Design improved the air circulation along the vehicle sides by installing aerodynamically formed side sills that also optionally light the vehicle underbody with four LED lamps. The tuners offer the wide side cover in a carbon fibre alternative as well.

2013 Premieres

The Opel Mokka blends functionality and a comfortable, high seating position with a flavor of adventure. The driving dynamics of the Mokka have been tailored to the needs of urban life with all the advantages of off-road capability. This is why apart from front-wheel drive (FWD), the Mokka can be fitted with an all-wheel drive (AWD) technology for better traction and handling. The AWD technology is efficient, clever and affordable as it allows the Mokka to switch from a robust urban SUV to a competent off-roader.

13 Vauxhall Mocha

Vauxhall Mokka is available with a choice of three efficient engines. All manual transmissions are equipped with start/stop. Two petrol engines are available including a 1.6-litre (115PS) naturally aspirated engine with a five-speed manual transmission achieving 43.5mpg and combined CO2 emissions of 153 g/km. Torque is 155Nm at 4,000 rpm.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary

A number of exterior and interior modifications have been carried out for the special SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary model. The body of the SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary gleams auspiciously in the new designo magno graphite matt paint finish, for example. To date, this matt paintwork has been exclusive to the SL65 AMG 45th Anniversary, which was unveiled to mark the 45th birthday of Mercedes-AMG at the New York International Auto Show in April 2012. The AMG light-alloy wheels in designo magno graphite complement the body’s matt paintwork to perfection.

2013 Mazda 6 Sedan

The all-new Mazda 6 sedan has a finely tuned SKYACTIV-Chassis front strut and rear multi-link suspension, delivering agile driving performance in the low to mid-speed ranges and stability in high-speed driving.

Scoop: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG's Darker and More Sinister Black Edition Sibling Shows its Face

We've lost track of the number of SLS AMG Black Series Edition test cars spied over the past year or so, and as it appears, Mercedes-Benz is still not done developing the hottest production version of its 'Gull-wing' coupe.
Now, for the first time, we have captured the Black Edition without its face covered in camouflage, revealing the design changes and details such as the lip spoiler and the aerodynamic canards on the corners of the bumper.
This particular prototype was also fitted with a large fixed wing on the boot, something absent from the previous test models.
Overall, we'd say that the Black Series Edition's wide body kit resembles the one fitted on the SLS AMG GT3 racing model.
Besides the visual changes over the stock 2013MY SLS AMG GT, Mercedes engineers will give the Black Series Edition a thorough makeover under the sheetmetal.
Among other upgrades, the car will sport a more powerful version of the 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 delivering as much as 650-horses to the rear wheels via modified version of the regular model's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a tweaked chassis.
The SLS AMG Black Series Edition should hit Mercedes dealers sometime next year in limited numbers with a price to match its exclusivity.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop