Car News – Page 4

New Audi RS6 and RS7 models target 190mph

New Audi RS6 and RS7 models target 190mph

Audi have made significant power and trim improvements to the new performance models now available for the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, making them even faster, more agile and more dynamic.

The new performance package increases the cars’ power and speed, giving the RS6 and RS7 a higher rev limit and extra boost pressure. Audi has maximised the power output of both cars, allowing them to produce an impressive 597bhp against the 552bhp of the standard RS6 and RS7.

Equipped with Audi’s twin-turbo 4-litre V8 TFSI engine, the performance models can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and 0-124mph in 12.1 seconds – 1.4 seconds quicker than the standard models. A dynamic package is also available, which can raise the top speed from an electronically-limited 155mph to an incredible 189.5mph.

The new models come with the option of an RS sport suspension system with Dynamic Ride Control, and Audi has also tweaked the 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox for ‘extreme sportiness’. External modifications include updated front and rear RS bumpers, a large rear diffuser and matt titanium paint trims. Internal upgrades include plush, new Alcantara leather upholstery and carbon twill inlays.

UK pricing is yet to be released, but the current price in Germany is 117,000 Euros for the RS6 Avant and 121,700 Euros for the RS7 Sportback.

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Rare Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale up for sale

Rare Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale up for sale

An extremely rare 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale is set to be auctioned in New York on the 10^th December. Just 22 examples of the Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe were produced – 18 featuring Pininfarina-designed bodies, the remaining 4 designed by Vignale.

The car being auctioned is the second of those 4 models produced, and is an outstanding example of the brief collaborative partnership between Enzo Ferrari and Carrozzeria Vignale. It has undergone a thorough restoration, and in 2012 received the Trofeo Foglizzi award for interior design, followed in 2015 by a Cavallino Classic Platinum award and the Ferrari Classiche Cup.

Powered by a V12 engine, the exquisite Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale features triple Weber 36 carburetors, a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The coveted collector’s car is being auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, and is expected to fetch over 2 million dollars.

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Porsche Macan gets the GTS treatment

Porsche Macan gets the GTS treatment

Porsche has launched the new Macan GTS, the latest addition to the GTS line. Slotting in between the S and Macan Turbo, the new model receives the same GTS makeover as the rest of the line, increasing speed and enhancing the overall driving experience.

The car features an uprated engine, with chassis and brake tweaks to make it faster, sportier and ‘more Porsche’ than ever. A lower ride and sharper handling combine with the 355bhp 3.0 litre twin- turbo V6 to deliver 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 160mph.

Other enhancements to the GTS include a more vocal, sports exhaust system, a seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic gearbox and electronically-controlled dampers, with Porche’s Active Suspension Management coming as standard.

The GTS Sport Design pack includes Alcantara leather GTS branded seats, a multimedia touchscreen system , 20 inch matt black alloys, matt black body details and gloss black contrasting panels, with the option of full-LED headlights.

The Macan GTS goes on sale in the UK on the 28^th October, with a starting price of £55,188 (including a complimentary on-track training session at Porsche’s Silverstone Experience Centre).

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Porsche Carrera 4 and Targa 4 receive new turbo engine

Porsche Carrera 4 and Targa 4 receive new turbo engine

Porsche’s latest 911 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 have been updated with the all-new turbocharged powerplant, as part of the general move to forced induction across the 911 range.

Both cars receive the 3-litre twin turbo flat-six engine, delivering 365bhp and 414bhp in the ‘S’ variants. The Carrera 4 sprints from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds (0.4 sec faster than its predecessor) – the Carrera 4S in 3.8 secs. The new Targa 4 is also quicker in the sprint (by 0.2 sec), with top speeds across the two models varying from 178mph and 190mph, depending on variant.

The Carrera 4 also features electro hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive, PDK, PASM and the Sport Chrono package – inspired by the 918 Spyder. The lower ride and new dampers compliment the all-wheel drive system, giving better body control. The Sport pack offers a mode switch on the steering wheel with 4 driving options – Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, allowing drivers to choose their setting preferences.

The updated models also feature improved PCM connectivity, with enhanced smartphone integration and internet services. New exterior styling includes a distinctive rear light strip, creating a ‘three-dimensional design’ and wider rear arches.

European deliveries will start in January 2016, with UK prices to be confirmed shortly. Prices in Germany start at 103,983 Euros.

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New images of 2016 Mercedes GLS SUV

New images of 2016 Mercedes GLS SUV

New pictures and spec details of Mercedes’ GLS SUV have been leaked ahead of the LA Motor Show, where it is expected to make its public debut.

The new, more refined GLS appears to have taken on the luxury enhancements of the S-Class line, with upmarket interior trim and the latest infotainment system, featuring an in-car tablet. Styling updates can also be seen on the exterior of the GLS, including redesigned bumpers, a new front grille and front and rear light adjustments.

The base GLS 350 diesel is expected to have a 254bhp V6, with a possible four-cylinder diesel to follow in some markets and hybrid options coming later. Mercedes is also expected to release a range-topping AMG model, powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577bhp.

The new GLS range will be further developed into an even more luxurious SUV carrying the Maybach badge, allowing Mercedes to compete with the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls Royce’s Cullinan and Range Rovers’ ultra-luxurious SVO models.

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New Land Rover Discovery set for release

New Land Rover Discovery set for release

Land Rover is set to release the new and improved fifth generation Discovery as the centre piece of its new range. The Land Rover Discovery will be fully revealed in late 2016, with a new name and a new styling. It will sit above the already launched Discovery Sport.

The design of the new Discovery is more spacious, with greater focus on luxury features such as smart technology, making it ideal for on-road and off-road use. Recent images reveal that the old, boxy styling of the previous Discovery will be gone, replaced by sleek, softer lines, bringing the design more into line with the Discovery Sport and premium Range Rover models.

New laser headlights will be available, plus Land Rover’s Transparent Bonnet technology and remote drive capability, allowing the driver to control the car via their smartphone. The new Discovery will retain elements of its iconic profile, visible in the toned down stepped roofline. The interior will still offer 7 seat options, with an improved central touchscreen and better quality trim all round.

The new Discovery is expected to feature Jaguar Land Rover’s new four cylinder 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines, with electric hybrid, and a possible 3.0-litreV6 supercharged option, following later.

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Road ready: The new Audi R8 V10

Road ready: The new Audi R8 V10

The new and improved Audi R8 is due to hit the roads at the end of the month, and features a wide range of technological and styling improvements. Equipped with either the V10 or V10 Plus engine, the new R8 is lighter, faster, and more powerful than before – capable of 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 205mph.

The V10 has been ramped up to 532bhp and the V10 Plus to 602bhp, while also improving economy. The powerplant is still a 5.2-litre unit, with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, however the new R8 benefits from a stronger, stiffer Carbon/Aluminium chassis. The Dynamic Drive on both models offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes, with the Plus model also offering Wet, Dry and Snow settings.

The interior has been completely redesigned, adding to the new R8’s edge and appeal. There’s a digital dashboard with a 12.3in TFT display, new seats and cabin design and optional laser light headlamps.

The V10 is priced at £119,500, the V10 Plus is £134,500. Both are on sale now and are expected to gain even more attention than their first generation predecessors.

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Rare Ferrari Enzo and F40 set for Paris sale

Rare Ferrari Enzo and F40 set for Paris sale

Two special Ferraris are going on sale in Paris during RM Sotheby’s third annual auction in February 2016. The two supercars in question have drawn notable attention, and are expected to be the highlight of the Paris sale.

The first is a 2004 Ferrari Enzo in a rare Nero Daytona colour. The Ferrari Enzo is highly-specced with red ‘Cartier’ upholstery with Enzo monograms, carbon fibre wings and mirrors, tinted windows and a high-end Alpine GPS system. The black Enzo, currently undergoing Ferrari Classiche certification, is in great condition and is expected to fetch a cool €1.5m-€2m.

The second star of the show is a 1989 Ferrari F40 with an interesting history; it was originally purchased by Stefano Casiraghi, a famous offshore powerboat racer who was married to Princess Caroline of Monaco. The red F40 is in prime condition, with a very low mileage of 4300km, and comes with the original tool kit. An estimate of €1m-€1.2m has been set.

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Mercedes SL gets a facelift

Mercedes SL gets a facelift

Mercedes has revealed the first images of its redesigned 2016 SL, which is due to debut at the LA Auto Show later this month.

The new SL features significant design improvements, and now falls in line with the AMG and other recent Mercedes lines, with a more modern and aggressive look. The headlights and body of the car have been rounded off to look less boxy and angular, giving the new SL a sleeker look. The new diamond-shaped pattern on the grille makes a statement – larger and softer than before, and based on the A-Class in its design. It’s accompanied by a redesigned front bumper.

Mechanically, the new SL will be very similar to the current car, with the V12 AMG SL65 still topping the range. Full details and specifications will be released by Mercedes after the LA debut.

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Ferrari 488 GTB boosted to 779bhp

Ferrari 488 GTB boosted to 779bhp

Tuning specialists Alpha-N Performance have boosted the power of the Ferrari 488 GTB, increasing its output to an incredible 779bhp and 643lb ft of torque, which takes it beyond Lamborghini’s Aventador SV and even Ferrari’s F12tdf.

Alpha-N’s software modifications allow the turbocharged supercar to outstrip its standard counterpart by 118bhp and 74lb ft, verging on hypercar performance. The unmodified Ferrari can already sprint from 0-62mph in 3 seconds, with a top speed of 205mph.

Alpha-N are offering the remap for £2,116, which will void the car’s manufacturer warranty, but will not doubt tempt many wealthy owners, given the significant performance improvements.

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