2013 Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S provides the automotive landscape with an authentic sports car at an affordable price, with a MSRP of $24,200 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $25,300 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

Inspired by the AE86, the Scion FR-S is designed around the core goal of achieving “Pure Balance,” which begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.

The Scion FR-S’s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The partnership begins by combining Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting-edge D-4S injection system,which incorporates both direct and port injection for each cylinder, one injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, the other a port injector located above the intake valves. Adopted from the Lexus IS F, D-4S injection is a new technology for the Scion family.

Despite the engine’s powerful 100-horsepower per liter, the Scion FR-S has EPA-estimated ratings of 34 mpg on the highway when paired with the automatic transmission, and EPA-estimated 30 mpg with the manual transmission.

The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The automatic features Dynamic Rev Management technology that quickly raises the engine speed to help match engine revs to gear ratios on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the visceral experience of driving the car.

The automatic transmission also features Sport Mode that quickens shift timing as well as throttle response. In Sport Mode, the transmission will also hold gears longer at higher revs before upshifting, making it easier to exploit the torque and horsepower in the upper reaches of the rev range.

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude

The new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition includes a body-color hardtop with matching painted center sections on the front and rear bumpers. Unique eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted spokes and polished wheel rings combine to give the Altitude model a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Wrangler Unlimited Altitude’s exterior appointments are completed with the inclusion of a Mopar® black fuel fill door, a matte black “Jeep” grille badge and a black tone-on-tone hood graphic.

A black-and-red theme is found inside the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude. Specifically, red accent stitching adorns black leather seats, door panels, center arm rest, floor mats and steering wheel. Vent rings, steering-wheel spokes, door pulls and passenger-side dashboard grab handle and berber floor mats all appear in black, to provide the contrasting and one-of-a-kind interior.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude models are available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic, and will be available at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,740.

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2012 Hyundai i40 Sedan

The 4.74-metre long Hyundai i40 sedan will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care customer assurance. This package has been attracting European consumers to the brand through its combination of a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

The all-new i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel. These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range, making the i40 an enjoyable car to drive around town or on the motorway. Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

Hyundai’s all new four-cylinder 2-litre GDI engine, called ‘Nu’, makes its debut in the i40. It delivers higher torque for enhanced driving pleasure, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions and excellent NVH characteristics – similar to the multi-point fuel injected engine.
Equipped with GDI (gasoline direct injection) this 1,999 cc unit generates 177 ps and 213 Nm of torque, ensuring that the i40 brings a good balance between performance and fuel economy. An Hyundai i40 sedan with this engine and a six-speed manual gearbox will accelerate to 100 kph in just 9.7 seconds, record fuel economy figures of 6.8 l/100 km (combined cycle) and achieve a CO2 rating of just 159 g/km.

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2012 Novitec Rosso Ferrari 458 Spider

Carbon fiber is not only the top choice in Formula 1 racing, but also for the NOVITEC ROSSO aerodynamic-enhancement components for the Ferrari 458 Spider. The designers concentrated not merely on striking looks, but first and foremost on aerodynamic efficiency, which was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel of the University of Stuttgart.

The standard front fascia is upgraded with a two-piece front spoiler and side flaps for further reduced lift at high speeds. To round out the carbon-fiber look the wings in the air scoops and the ventilation grilles in the front fenders are also manufactured from this material. Tasteful carbon-fiber covers on the exterior mirrors complete the ensemble.

Further NOVITEC ROSSO styling features are black taillights, which are also emphasized visually with carbon-fiber bezels, black side markers and the black auxiliary LED brake light.
The new NOVITEC ROSSO NF4 forged wheels perfectly combine visual assets with increased driving dynamics thanks to reduced unsprung weight. To give the Ferrari even more of a wedge-shaped appearance a staggered tire/wheel combination with diameters of 21 and 22 inches was developed.
Despite their king-sized dimensions – 9Jx21 in front and 12Jx22 on the rear axle – these wheels with five delicate double spokes weigh just 21.8 lbs and 29.7 lbs. This makes the NOVITEC ROSSO wheels some of the lightest of their type in these sizes. Technology partner Pirelli supplies PZero high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 335/25 ZR 22. The popular three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels with diameters of 20, 21 and 22 inches will continue to be available as an option.
This makes the 458 Spider perfectly suited for an extra helping of power. The most powerful version to date is the NOVITEC ROSSO Performance Level 1. In this case the 4.5-liter V8 is fitted with a special carbon-fiber air box with modified air routing and a NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system. The exhaust system, manufactured from INCONEL, a highly stress-proof yet extremely lightweight material also used on exhausts for Formula 1 engines, consists of two high-performance manifolds, sport catalysts and a rear muffler. The latter is optionally available with a butterfly valve for changing the exhaust note with the Manettino on the steering wheel. The sport exhaust plays not only a crucial role in the increase in power by 39 hp, it also weighs 46.2 lbs less than the production exhaust. Website: www.novitecrosso.com

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2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG fuel consumption of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) is a reduction of 2.1 litres on the predecessor model, representing fuel savings of 13 percent. This reduction can be attributed to the state-of-the-art biturbo eight-cylinder engine, along with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission system, the generator management system and the ECO start/stop function. The seven-speed automatic gearbox features three drive modes and an automatic double-declutching function for downshifting, creating an incredible range of variability. In “Controlled Efficiency” (C) mode, the ECO start/stop function is active, shutting down the eight-cylinder engine when the vehicle is stationary. “C” mode is also characterised by smooth accelerator and transmission characteristics and early gear changes; the vehicle is usually started in second gear in this mode. The AMG instrument cluster includes a green “ECO” symbol, indicating when the ECO start/stop function is on.

The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG runs on new AMG 5×2 spoke light alloy wheels as standard equipment. The 9.5 x 20 titanium-grey-painted wheels with high-sheen finish are fitted with 275/50 R 20 tyres. As an exclusive special equipment option, the vehicle can be fitted with matt-black-painted AMG light alloy wheels with high-sheen rim flanges. The new AMG high-performance brakes deliver top performance in terms of deceleration, adjustable feed and endurance. All-round ventilated, perforated brake discs with dimensions of 375 x 36 millimetres at the front and 330 x 20 millimetres at the rear provide optimum thermal capability and outstanding deceleration values. The front axle is fitted with a six-piston fixed-calliper brake system taken from the ML63 AMG, with a single-piston floating-calliper system on the rear axle. The brake callipers are painted red around the entire circumference, and are also available in silver.

With maximum output of 450 kW (612 hp) and maximum torque of 1000 newton metres, the top-of-the-range V12 model delights the connoisseur with its incomparably dynamic handling characteristics. The G65 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h (electronically limited). This is the first G-Class vehicle to be equipped with the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, which features new exhaust turbochargers with increased spiral cross-section, flow-optimised wastegate channels, multi-spark ignition with twelve double-ignition coils and a higher-power engine control unit. The result is enhanced combustion, leading to smoother running and power delivery. The high-quality carbon and aluminium engine cover adds a final visual touch to this extensive package of new features. As in the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G?TRONIC automatic transmissionsystem is responsible for power transmission to all four wheels.

In terms of appearance, the G65 AMG is differentiated from its V8 sister model by the high-gloss chrome radiator grille, the 9.5 x 20 AMG five-spoke light alloy wheels, painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish, its 275/50 R 20 tyres and the V12 BITURBO logo on the mudguards. Interior features include the welcome display with exclusive AMG V12 BITURBO animation, the designo leather exclusive upholstery and the leather instrument panel trim. A unique special touch is the distinctively V12 diamond design of the seats, including the impressed AMG medallion on the headrests. This distinctive upholstery feature is repeated on the door central panels. A comprehensive range of standard equipment includes black piano lacquer designo trim features and designo foot mats with a V12 badge. An exclusive special option from the AMG Performance Studio is AMG light alloy wheels, painted matt black with high-sheen rim flanges.

The interior features even more innovations in comparison with the predecessor model. Along with the facelift changes provided as standard, including the new instrument panel and state-of-the-art infotainment and assist systems, the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has an AMG instrument cluster with colour TFT screen, AMG main menu and separate gear display, plus white-lit AMG sills on all doors. The classy E-SELECT shift lever with the distinctive AMG medallion is a familiar feature from other models such as the SLS AMG. An exclusive on-board environment is created by the designo leather upholstery with ruffled leather door panelling. Options available for an even more stylish interior comprise the AMG carbon trim and the designo Exclusive package.

Prices in Germany at a glance (including 19% VAT):

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 137,504.50 eurosMercedes-Benz G65 AMG 264,180 euros

Both AMG models are available only in the station-wagon long version. Market launch is as from June 2012.

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2012 CCG Automotive Dodge Challenger SRT-8

The company CCG Automotive located in Monschau at the extreme western end of the Federal Republic of Germany specializes in wrapping of all types. High grade car wrapping (full and partial wrapping) is offered by CCG much like inscription on utility vehicles as well as film-coating for paint and stone chip protection.

The company’s own show car modeled on the basis of the impressive US Muscle Cars Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is an exemplary demo vehicle showcasing the creativity characterizing the work of the company from Monschau. This grand American car was wrapped by CCG Film-Coating Technicians in a combination of flashy green and carbon-white colors with contrasting elements in black, which surely, will cause quite a stir. In contrast to the bright film-coating color, the screens of the Coupe were tinted in dark shade.

And of course, the CCG Challenger even has far more to offer than being “just” one extravagant wrapping. For instance, the 6.1 liter V8 of the SRT8 top model, which in serial production, already has a strength of 431 Horse Power – and is by no means a weakling – was sent packing from the large engine compartment. It had to make way for a formidable 7.0 liter Stroker HEMI-V8, which develops a massive 600 Horse Power and torments the drive line with some powerful 638 Newton-meter torque. Upon every burst of acceleration, the axle back exhaust produced in our factory with two square exhaust-pipe-ends, releases a characteristic and unmistakable thunderous sound. Pushed to full performance limit, the speedometer pointer of the Challenger will move almost effortlessly beyond the 300 km/h end-marking of the speedometer. The fact that Dodge can still be driven as a relatively economic and affordable vehicle in spite of this powerhouse buried beneath the long engine hood and in times of skyrocketing gas prices is attributable to the installed PRINS Liquefied Petroleum Gas facility with two carburetors and a 120-liter tank.
It is a matter of course that a high-powered automobile like the Challenger also requires an adequate wheel tire combination. CCG Automotive combined the three-part Asanti of the sizes 9×22 and 10×22 inches, painted in black, with Pirelli Scorpion Zero Rollers of the dimensions 265/35R22 on the steering axle and 295/30R22 on the drive axle. To facilitate the successful installation of this combination in the wheel wells, they had to be discreetly widened. LSD doors allow the large doors to swing skywards.
CCG Automotive also devoted its attention to the interior in its beautification efforts. Previously hard and seemingly less sophisticated plastic surfaces, seats as well as the dashboard and headliner were partially neatly stitched and refined with soft Alcantara and pleasant smooth leather in anthracite/black. Red seams and edge framing clearly emphasize colors. The factory-installed MyGIG hard disk audio system with Radio, CD/DVD player and Touch screen as well as the SRT Option Package II with 13 Kicker SRT high-performance loudspeakers, a 322-watt Kicker SRT amplifier and a 200-watt Kicker SRT subwoofer provide first-class Hi-Fi sound on board.

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2013 Ford EcoSport

With a number of powertrain solutions, including Ford’s newest, most advanced engine the 1.0-litre EcoBoost™, Ford EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel efficiency. It also offers the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control and many other innovative features in a spacious and comfortable interior with new levels of craftsmanship as well as outstanding quietness and refinement.

Ford is showcasing its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium, on stage in Beijing, painted in distinctive Mars Red. A similar model is being revealed in Salvador, Brazil, as EcoSport’s global launch momentum builds.

Ford EcoSport Titanium has 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.

The all-new EcoSport provides spaciousness for five, a high driving position with outstanding visibility, a refined cabin environment engineered for quiet operation, carefully selected and matched materials, and a modern design ethos.The interior offers a very modern design, together with a series of technological features that a new generation of consumers desire in a connected car, and at the same time, look for in a differentiated, comfortable and inviting driving experience.

Energy efficiency is one of the highlights of the all-new Ford EcoSport. The goal set by Ford in the EcoSport’s development was to become the segment leader in fuel-efficiency with the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine as well as the new 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine.

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