12/27/11

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition





The 300 Luxury Edition is powered by the regular model's 292HP 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine matched to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

As with the HEMI-powered Luxury Edition, the V6 model sports a slew of bespoke extras highlighted by the liberal use of leather throughout the interior.

Aside from the Black or two-tone Mochachino seats that are wrapped in Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable front seats with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers, the Luxury model gets the same leather treatment for the dashboard, center console, door panels, armrest and steering wheel.

Furthermore, the interior package includes die-cast paddle shifters, Natural Pore Mocha wood trim in a matte finish, an infotainment and navigation system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable colors, power-adjustable steering wheel column and pedals, chrome door sills, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets plus premium carpeted trunk mat.

On the outside, the Luxury package adds 20-inch polished face (RWD) or 19-inch (AWD) alloy wheels, plus platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents.
Both the V6- and V8-powered Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models will go on sale next February.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of the 300 Luxury models is:
  • Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (V6 RWD) $40,145
  • Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (V6 AWD) $42,495
  • Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (V8 RWD) $42,895
  • Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (V8 AWD) $45,245











12/25/11

Audi R8's Upcoming Facelift




The first true supercar to be created by Audi, the R8, has won universal praise thanks to its handling, quality, every day usability and, in the V10-equipped model, performance numbers.
Despite the fact that it wouldn’t seem out of place if it were launched today, the truth is that Audi’s mid-engined wonder is already five years old, having been introduced in 2006.

Therefore, its replacement is already being developed and is due in 2014, with the open-top Spyder model to follow the next year.

But first, the current R8 will receive an update in 2012. According to Car Magazine, the refreshed R8 will get a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replacing the sequential six-speed unit, while the upgraded V10 will receive a small bump in power and the interior will sport the latest MMI multimedia interface.

The big news, as far as the first-generation R8 is concerned, is the launch of a limited-production electric version towards the end of 2012.

The British publication reports that the second generation R8 will differ in many ways from its predecessor. For one, the aluminum bodywork and chassis will be replaced by a new architecture which, while still aluminum-based, will also feature carbonfiber for the transmission tunnel, the B-posts and the rear firewall.

Total weight will be reduced by around 100 kg (220 lbs), while torsional rigidity will increase by 13 percent.

On the engine front, we won't see many changes as Audi is said to continue with its two naturally aspirated units. The base version will still be powered by a 4.2 V8, with its output bumped from 420 to 450HP, and the top version by a 5.2-liter V10 with 550HP.


However, down the road Audi may switch to the new turbocharged V8 that was recently unveiled in the Audi S7 and Bentley Continental GT, probably with a hike in power to 600HP.

As previously reported, the second generation R8 and the Gallardo's replacement will make use of Audi's MSS (Modular Sports car System) architecture, while the third generations of both models will employ a new platform developed primarily by Porsche.



















12/24/11

2011 Evantra Supercar





The difference between Mazzanti and almost every other boy that has the same thoughts is that Luca didn’t grow out of it, but instead focused on making his dream come true.

Since the early 1990's, he has been worked with Mario Faralli, who had a 20 years of experience in restoring rare cars such as the Cisitalia 202, the Ferrari 500 Mondial, and the “Il mostro” Maserati 450 Costin/Zagato that Stirling Moss drove in the 1957 Le Mans endurance race.

In 2001, the design and creation of a “barchetta” for a client led to the creation of F&M (Faralli and Mazzanti) Auto, which undertakes special personal projects, such as the Antas and the Vulca for its customers.


That’s not really building your own supercar though, is it? That’s why three years after collaborating with designer Zsolt Tarnok, Mazzanti is ready to launch the first ever F&M Auto production car: the Evantra.


Actually, it’s the company’s first very limited production car, since only five examples will be built with the lucky owners being able to fully customize their vehicle.


They can choose between a composite or an aluminum body, a naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged version of a 3.5-liter flat-six delivering 403HP and 603HP respectively – and, in the case of the hand-crafted aluminum body, make changes to the design and create a bespoke, one-off supercar.
















VW Golf GTI MkV 275-Horses





This tune comes courtesy of Germany's Schmidt Revolution, which has readied a package comprising of both performance and some cosmetic upgrades.

On the power front, an ECU optimization from STO-chip Tuning along with a new sports exhaust system and a modified air intake, all do their part to boost the 2.0 TFSI's output from 200 to 275-horsepower.

The MkV GTI also gets a sports suspension kit from AP that lowers the ride height along with new 19-inch wheels shod in 225/35R19 Marangoni tires, an OEM Golf R32 rear apron and tail pipes, a subtle aero package, and an all-in-one Kenwood DNX520VBT navigation system.





12/21/11

1973 Lamborghini Jarama GTS






The first Jarama, built from 1970 to 1973, was powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine with 350HP matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Jarama GTS featured here was presented in 1973 and remained in production until 1976. Changes over the first model included an exterior makeover, a completely restyled interior and a more powerful version of the V12 engine delivering 365HP as well as the availability of an optional automatic transmission.

According to Lamborghini, a total of 176 Jarama and 152 Jarama GTS cars were built from 1970 to 1976.