Automotive Videos
BMW 1-Series M Coupe – third teaser video released
BMW has released a third teaser video of the upcoming 1-Series M Coupe. The video depicts a covered orange-red coupe with a couple of exposed areas. It ends with a view that shows us the front-left corner of the high-performance vehicle. The powerful 1-Series is slated to be revealed in December before it’s world debut at next year’s Detroit Motor Show.
As mentioned earlier, the 1-Series M which centers around the “fascination of driving” will be launched with a modified version of the engine used on the 135i. Power is expected to be improved to 322hp, up from 302hp with the 3.0 liter twin-turbo in standard trim. As with other M models, this new variant also features a reworked suspension, different brakes and exhausts, an aggressive yet functional bodykit and more. Continue reading to watch the teaser video.
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Citroen to reveal DS High Rider-based DS4 tonight?
Citroen has announced that it will reveal a new vehicle online on August 30th. Along with the announcement the company also released a 29 second-long teaser video which doesn’t reveal much. However we did notice a DS logo which goes to indicate that a DS model will be revealed.
We suspect that it could well be the production version of the DS4 based on the Citroen DS High Rider concept. The concept was shown at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and it featured a hybrid drivetrain which was made up by a HDI diesel and a rear-mounted electric motor.
In fact sources have confirmed to Carscoop that the DS4 will be unveiled this week. At the same time, the blog reports that the sources did not confirm if the vehicle in the teaser video is the DS4. It could be that Citroen plans to show off two models this week although that is very much likely. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on a single vehicle, the DS4 specifically to be revealed.
Citroen brought back the DS designation with the DS3 compact. It was launched in August last year and it was inspired by the DS3 Concept. While we wait for the next DS model, you can continue reading to watch the teaser video. Pictured above is the DS High Rider concept.
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2011 Ford Mondeo revealed in Russia: full details!
This is the facelifted Ford Mondeo mid-sized sedan which made it’s debut at the Moscow International Motor Show just hours ago. Ford has updated it’s flagship model with a variety of upgrades but lets check out it’s exterior design first. The refreshed Mondeo now has a modified front grille, revised hood design as well as the introduction of LED daytime running lights that make up the upgrades up front.
The side profile sports new fully chromed window surrounds (for the range-topping models) while the revised LED taillights round up the exterior changes. Overall the Mondeo looks that much better now, while there weren’t much to complain about the pre-facelift model.
Work has been carried out on the inside as well. The Mondeo now has a revised centre console along with a different door card design. There is also a central overhead console fitted with LED ambient lighting, a woven headliner, new ‘jewel’ detailing on the switches, satin chrome vents as well as the introduction of new interior colour schemes, which according to Ford, help to offer a more premium feel – something that was not really there with the pre-facelift.
Potential buyers will be happy to know that Ford has introduced new features on the Mondeo. They include Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam as well as a Driver Alert system. Ford says that these three features utilize a camera located at the top of the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. Also in the list is a Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and a Rear View Camera.
Now lets move on to the drivetrain. The 2011 Mondeo debuts a new engine from Ford, which is a 240 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine which joins the existing 203 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost. Ford has also updated the 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi diesel unit. It now makes 200 PS which marks a 12% increase over it’s previous guise. Also in the diesel family are 115 PS, 140 PS and 163 PS versions of the 2.0 liter Durotorq.
The current Duratec engines are maintained and they are made up by a 120 PS 1.6 liter and a 145 PS 2.0 liter. Ford revealed that it plans to introduce new 1.6 liter engines from the EcoBoost and Duratorq engine families in the near future. Transmission wise, both a 6-speed manual transmission and Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmission are offered, depending on the trim level of course.
The new Mondeo is also offered with ECOnetic technologies that include Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode driver information system as well as an Active Grille Shutter system that regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment. The 2011 Ford Mondeo which is available in both sedan and estate forms will go on sale starting from next month. Prices will start from £17,295 in the UK.
You can check out a high-res image gallery after the jump and watch a video. Read the rest of this entry.
Bentley teases the 2011 Continental GT Coupe
The Continental GT Coupe is set for an update and it’s maker Bentley has revealed a teaser video on a mircosite. The updated coupe is set to have it’s online reveal on September 7th before a public debut at the Paris Motor Show. The teaser video doesn’t say much but we can see a Mulsanne-inspired front end, not a good thing if you ask me. But it could look good, who knows. We will have to wait till we look at the whole thing.
The video also gives a quick glimpse of the revised centre dash fitted with a new infotainment display. The changes on this coupe is likely to trickle down down to the GTC and 4-door Continental models. You can check out the 43 second-long teaser after the jump.
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The Boss is back! Ford unleashes 440hp Mustang Boss 302
Good news for Mustang fans! Remember the mean-looking Mustang Boss 302 of the late 60′s and early 70′s? Well after four decades the Blue Oval has given a new lease of life to the Boss 302. The latest generation Mustang Boss 302 is, just like it’s predecessor, a hardcore version of the pony car featuring upgraded components and an angry demeanor. Power comes from the familiar 5.0 liter V8 found found in the 2011 Mustang GT. Further work has been carried out on the engine allowing it produce 440hp compared to 411hp. Torque is now figured at 380 lb.-ft.
The powerplant is treated to revised camshafts with a more aggressive grind and a more aggressive control calibration. Other upgrades in the drivetrain are made up by a race clutch with upgraded friction materials, a short-throw close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission as well as a limited-slip differential with a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates. Available as an option is a torque-sensing or Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ford also emphasized on the sound that comes out of the Boss 302. It uses a Boss-specific intake system that is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions hence a retuned induction sound. It also uses a quad exhaust system with side pipes that help produce a more intense V8 sound. The side pipes are also tuned so that drivers can run wide-open while producing comfortable sound levels. Ford also said that up to eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to enable the occupants to further enjoy the sound.
The Boss 302′s suspension has been retuned as well. It sports higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar. The car is lower by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear compared to the Mustang GT. Also included in the suspension upgrade list are manually-adjustable shock absorbers. The Boss 302 also has a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three modes for different weight levels. Also part of the system is traction control and an electronic stability program, both of which can be completely turned off when desired.
The lightweight 19-inch black alloy wheels, with staggered widths are shod with Pirelli PZero summer tires and the wheels hide Brembo four-piston calipers up front and standard Mustang GT brakes at back with Boss-specific pad compound. The ABS brake system also uses low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30% less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time. Ford did not reveal the Boss 302′s sprint performance figure but did say that it can hit 155mph which makes it the fastest non-SVT Mustang ever. It also said that Boss 302 offers more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.
Now lets have a quick look on what makes a Boss 302 different in terms of design. First up is the black or white roof panel which is in line with the C-styled sticker on the side of the vehicle. The front has been revised and features blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter which can also be seen on the Boss 302R race car. The splitter is not only for esthetics but it helps manage the air under and around the vehicle during high speed travel. The spoiler at the back also helps minimize overall drag.
Inside, the driver will be faced with a Boss steering wheel finished in Alcantara suede, a material used for seats as well. The Boss 302 also has it’s instrument panel, gauge cluster and door panel trim finished in dark metallic. There is also a black pool-cue shifter ball and door sill plates that read “Powered by Ford”.
In it’s press release Ford said that it is pitting the Boss 302 against the BMW M3: a huge task I must admit. Ford claims that the Boss 302 can ‘top’ the 2010 M3 in terms of lap times at the Laguna Seca circuit in the US. The 302 does make more power compared to the M3′s 4.0 liter V8 but can it beat the M3′s refinement in the handling department? I am not too sure about that. Ford also unveiled a limited-edition Boss 302 Lugana Seca. Its more of a track-ready version of the 302 with increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package that is carried over from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.
Continue reading to enjoy an image gallery as well as to watch three videos. Read the rest of this entry.
Lotus Exos T125 track car: 24 live images from preview event
It has just been about a day since the Lotus Exos T125 track car was made public at a preview event and the new F1-like Lotus has created so much buzz ever since. As mentioned in our previous article, the T125 is available to privateers to purchase and only 25 will see sunlight. Each is powered by a 650hp 3.5 liter V8 from Cosworth, linked to a semi automatic transmission.
The car is said to offer a “near GP2-like” driving experience. Carrying a rumored price tag of about 1 million Euro, the T125 is one of the closest thing there is to an F1 car, for those 25 lucky individuals that is.
However such a track-only car will prompt group purchases, say a group of five friends forking out the money for the car and sharing it among themselves during track days. Its a smarter option if you ask me. It was also said that one person can operate the car, unlike a full crew of mechanics with an actual F1 car. Back to the point of this article.
As mentioned in the title we have managed to catch hold of some live high-res images depicting the Lotus Exos T125. For your info, the number 25 designates the Lotus 25 which is F1′s first ever fully stressed monocoque race car. A special hit tip to Rahul Nair for the images and videos.
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Lotus Exos T125: An F1 car for a select-few to enjoy?
No this is not Lotus Racing’s 2011 F1 contender, instead it’s a limited-production F1-like single seater race car called the Lotus Exos T125. Only 25 units will make it cross the assembly line and each is rumored to carry a 1 million Euro price tag. Basically you can purchase the Exos and enjoy it during private track days, perhaps to sharpen your F1 racing skills! Maintenance you ask? Well we don’t have the specifics but Lotus did say that it is a very easy car to run and maintain.
The company also said that the Exos has a 4,500-kilometer service interval. It weighs 650 kilograms and it features a Cosworth-sourced 3.5 liter V8 with 650hp and a 10,300 RPM red line. A quick math work shows us that the Exos offers 1,000hp per ton which is very impressive. The driver can also increase the red line by 500 RPM with a touch of a button in the cockpit. Mated to the V8 is a semi automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the multi-info steering wheel. Other goodies such as a carbon fiber monocoque, carbon fiber suspension as well as carbon ceramic brakes are included in the deal as well.
There are also different classic Lotus livery options to choose from including the iconic green-yellow combination. Buyers will also go through familiarization sessions on the race track with experienced racers, maybe Jarno Trulli or Heikki Kovalainen? The Lotus Exos T125 will be manufactured in Norfolk, England and the first ten units are expected to be delivered in spring 2011 with the rest to be delivered by summer. Continue reading to view high-res images of a rendering and to watch a walk-around video showcasing an actual model. There is also a video featuring Stephen Wright from Lotus Motorsports explaining about the Exos.
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BMW 1-Series M Coupe: cockpit-view track video
Recently BMW announced that it will be launching the 1-Series M Coupe and along with it the company released a teaser video of the new M model. This time around BMW or specifically it’s high-performance tuning arm M GmbH has released yet another video of the new 1-series variant. The 3 minute 20 second-long video is made up by a track test at the Ascari circuit in Spain with a view from the cockpit.
However the final production model will not feature the same interior you will see in the video. BMW says that it will look different and it also added that the 1-Series M Coupe will be a car that will focus on the essentials, which is the “fascination of driving”. It is also expected to offer up to 322hp from the 3.0 liter force-inducted engine used in the 135i. The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is likely to make it’s world debut at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show in March, after an initial unveiling in December 2010. Sales in Europe are slated to begin in the first half of 2011.
Continue reading to watch the video. Read the rest of this entry.
