2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Inspired by road racing, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE starts with the Camaro SS body and interior, with upgraded performance elements from the ZL1.

Its unique gear and suspension tuning, with tires capable of handling the increased acceleration, the Camaro 1LE is geared for road-racing performance.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: $37,035
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71l) MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.4 in. (483.6 cm) Wheelbase: 112.3 in. (285.2 cm)
Height: 54.2 in. (137.6 cm) Width: 75.5 in. (191.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3860 lbs (1751 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Engine: V8 OHV Displacement: 6.2 Liter
Horsepower: 426 HP Max RPM: 5900 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds Maximum Speed: NA

This option is offered on the Camaro 1SS, and 2SS coupe models. The first 1LE package was inspired by Camaro’s Pro-Am road racing involvement in 1988. While the Camaro 1LE is geared for handling the speed and turns of road-racing, it keeps the interior features of convenience.

Engine

The 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine, found in the Camaro SS, delivers 426 horsepower, and 420 lb-ft of torque. The Tremec TR 6060, six-speed, stick transmission is optimized for track racing. It is equipped with an air-to-liquid cooling system and short-throw shifter for track use. Many compare this Camaro to the Ford Mustang Boss 302 in the track-ready sports car category.

Package Features

The 1LE package begins with a larger front stabilizer bar, and solid rear stabilizer bar, for more control. To increase the level of traction, stronger rear-axle shafts were added. The strut tower brace improves response in steering, and the front and rear Goodyear Eagle Supercar G-2 tires increase grip at higher speeds.

The Camaro ZL1- inspired bearings, toe links, and rear shock mounts deliver better on-track performance, and the high-capacity fuel pump provides improved delivery during cornering.

Exterior

The Camaro 1LE exudes sportiness, with its black hood. A variety of stripe packages are also available for personalization. The front-end splitter, and rear-end spoiler are designed to reduce aerodynamic lift at higher speeds. It sports a unique front bumper, red brake calipers, and unique, while also functional front and rear airdams. Ten-inch spoke wheels, and high-intensity discharge headlights finish the sleek and sporty exterior.

Interior

The interior has all the luxuries of a Camaro SS. Color-touch radio with MyLink infotainment is offered, along with OnStar navigation. Heads-up display, and rear-vision is also offered. The six-speaker Boston Acoustic sound system makes for enjoyable listening.

The colors available include gray, black, orange, beige, mojave, and inferno. Contrast stitching is used to accentuate the highlights on the inside. The flat-bottom steering wheel is trimmed in microfiber, giving it and a short-throw shifter a suede feel and look.

Safety Features

The standard safety features of the SS are included. These are the six air bags with side-curtain bags. The Camaro 1LE is a fast, sporty, racing-capable vehicle which has the interior of a sporty coupe.

The steering is balanced for better driver control, and is built to provide driving safety. This car takes the best elements of Chevrolet cars, and combines it into one fast and fun-to-drive car, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE.

September 8, 2012 at 1:12 pm | No comment

2012 Lotus Evora GX

The 2012 Lotus Evora GX is another sports car from this storied British manufacturer. At heart it is intended for the race track.

This is a modified version of the already fast Evora, but it is also available in street-legal trim – if you have $335,000 to spare.

The Evora’s already striking and distinctive looks have been enhanced for the GX model by the liberal use of carbon fiber – in particular for the doors, which are entirely made from that material.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: $335,000.00
Performance
Engine: V6 DOHC Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 440 HP Torque: 325 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Xtronic Curb Weight: 2535 lbs (4536 kg)

Engine & Performance

The Evora GX is powered by a four-liter, V6 gasoline engine which pumps out 440 horsepower and 325 lb ft of torque. Although Lotus has not officially published data regarding the car’s top speed, most testers expect it to be somewhere in the region of around 180 mph – a substantial improvement on the standard car’s 162 mph, despite a slightly higher curb weight.

Unsurprisingly, handling is extremely firm and sharp, with the engine supported by an X-track sequential gearbox. Cornering ability produce benefits from the race-spec aero kit and race-ready Continental tires.

Equipment

Being a race car at heart, the Evora GX does away with several creature comforts most road cars now offer. There is no traction control, for example, and nor are ABS brakes fitted. Inside, the cabin is uncompromisingly utilitarian, with most of the fairly luxurious equipment fitted to the standard model having been stripped out.

Seats are of the basic bucket type, roll bars have been fitted in order to conform to race series safety requirements, and even the steering wheel is intended first and foremost for use on the track.

Appearance

While the large rear wing is the most visually obvious difference from the standard car, more subtle changes also add to the GX’s purposeful appearance – the headlights are now tinted, while the windows are made of strengthened plexi-glass.

September 5, 2012 at 1:12 pm | No comment

2012 Mansory Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

Luxury and power join together and produce a major “WOW” factor. The 2012 Mansory Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is an exciting coupe like 4-door that deserves the acclaim it has received.

Luxurious is the word that best describes this vehicle. especially the interior which is amazing. This car looks as it should! Hot, hot, hot!!!

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80l) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 196.7 in. (499 cm) Wheelbase: 113.2 in. (287 cm)
Height: 55.4 in. (140.7 cm) Width: 74.1 in. (188.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Engine: V8 DOHC Displacement: 5.5 Liter
Horsepower: 631 HP HP per Liter: 115 HP
Torque: 664 lb-ft Transmission: 7-Speed Sport

Engine & Performance

Under the hood you will find a 5.5 liter twin turbo V8 producing 631 horsepower with 664 pound-feet of torque. The extra power is the result of a sports air filter and a new programmed control unit. Think about 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. Now that is awesome.

Exterior

The wide body with expanded front and rear wings along with the newly designed hood and rear bumper fascia on top of the 20 inch super light forged wheels say’s show stopper! The day time driving lights add to the overall exceptional and oh so sexy appearance of this car.

Interior

From the elegantly designed leather upholstery to the aluminum pedals and footrests; not to mention the deluxe entry sills and embroidered floor mats that are as attractive.

All these gives the interior of this superb automobile a luxurious feel that one would expect from a luxury car. When you sit behind the steering wheel, you know that you have entered into a whole new realm of luxury and performance.

Safety Features

The anti-lock disc brakes are just the beginning of the safety features you have on the 2012 Mansory Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG. Add the knee airbags in the front and the full length curtain air bags for front and rear side passengers as well as the drowsiness alert and the crash alert that are state of the art.

Over all the 2012 Mansory Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is a car that provides the luxury and high performance that the Mercedes brand is known for. It is sporty while retaining an air of elegance This car is perfect for those who want high quality and great performance as they ride in luxurious comfort.

September 3, 2012 at 1:12 pm | No comment

2012 ABT Audi AS7

The Audi A7 is quite capable of holding its own against cars like the Mercedes CLS, and ABT Sportsline has just released an upgrade to make the Audi A7 even more powerful. The 2012 ABT Audi AS7 is a car capable of measuring up to the CLS-AMG class.

The Audi A7 is one of the most elegant looking cars in the premium sport segment. In the Audi AS7, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a sports car 24/7, but it also has the practicality and comfort of an everyday vehicle.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Sedan Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (75l) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 195.6 in. (496.9 cm) Wheelbase: 114.7 in. (241.9 cm)
Height: 55.9 in. (142 cm) Width: 84.2 in. (213.9 cm)
Curb Weight: NA Ground Clearance: 4.4 in. (11.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 24.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: Turbocharged V8 Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 520 HP HP per Liter: 130 HP
Torque: 479 lb-ft Transmission: S Tronic
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds Top Speed: 180 mph (289 km/h)

Engine

The twin-turbo 4 liter V8 engine in the A7 has been modified to enable the AS7 to reach an impressive 520 HP, 442lb per ft of torque and a top speed of 183 mph. Modified by the best VW tuners, this is a vast improvement, considering the original A7’s top speed is 155 mph!

Wheels

Befitting the new sporty potential of the AS7 thanks to its V8 modifications, the A7 also receives a sleek new set of wheels complete with high performance tires, a new set of suspension springs, ABT Level Control plus an extra (optional) lowering module.

Suspension

At high speeds, the AS7 really comes into its’ own – the new suspension level gives it an even sportier feel to the drive and the ride is as exhilarating as ever.

Exterior

The Audi AS7 keeps the sleek and sexy look of the A7, one of the most elegant luxury cars. Wider and lower than its predecessors, the design of the A7 and AS7 resembles the Audi A5 more than the A6 sedan.

More Features

Fitted with LED running lights, bi-xenon headlights, heated windshield wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, climate control and sunroof, the standard version of the AS7 comes with all the driving essentials that you’d expect. Along with the MMI system, there are Bluetooth capabilities, a navigation system, CD changer, HD satellite radio, voice control, 14 speaker sound system and iPod dock – more than enough goodies to keep you entertained while travelling in Audi’s souped-up A7!

September 1, 2012 at 6:00 pm | No comment

World’s Greatest Drag Race 2

Under the warm California sun, Motor Trend (MT) magazine sponsored a drag race surely to be remembered in the years to come. As part of their celebration of Best Driver’s Car Week, the “World’s Greatest Drag Race” was held on the airstrip of El Toro Marine base near San Diego, California.

In 2011, the Nissan GT-R won, in 2012, the 2nd running of this event; you may not be as surprised. Qualifications for a car to be in this race? Well, the car has to be a production model, meaning no alterations, no modifications, straight up stock. The race covers a ¼ mile on unobstructed tarmac with all the cars side by side. MT marked the event for all us octane junkies to see. Watch it!

¼ Mile Drag Race Results:

1. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: 10.8 secs @ 132 mph. Price: $383,000. Powered by a 6.5L V12 VVT that produces 691 HP & 509 lb-ft of torque. Talk about bullish, the Aventador is just that with its acceleration, handling and steering, not to mention its intimidating appearance.

2. Mclaren MP4-12C: 10.8 secs @ 131 mph. Price: $231,000. The 3.8L DOHC V8 engine, 592 HP & 443 lb-ft of torque nearly made it. McLaren continues to be a name in car racing circles that will never be taken for granted, not even in a drag race.

3. Nissan GT-R Black Edition: 11.1 secs @ 125 mph. Price: $106,000. This 3.8L DOHC V6 engine rides 545 HP and 463 lb-ft of torque provides enough power. The GTR’s road worthiness is matched by its interior styling specially given the cockpit feel you get once you’re behind the wheel.

4. Ford Shelby GT500: 11.6 secs @ 126 mph. Price: $55,000. A supercharged 5.8L DOHC V8 gives this car 662 HP and 631 lb-ft of torque a lot to brag about. This is once in which there is too much horsepower for the chassis producing a lot of movement, still, it is a Mustang Shelby.

5. Porsche 911 Carrera S: 12.0 secs @ 117 mph. Price: $97,000. In classic Porsche rear engine location, a 3.8L DOC Flat 6 engine producing 400 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque can be found. As can be expected in all Porsche’s, you get balanced handling along with responsive brakes.

6. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: 12.1 secs @ 117 mph. Price: $56,000. The 6.2L OHV V8 that gives you 580 HP and 556 ft-lb of torque is nothing to yawn about. The question is, who’s more famous, the car or Bumblebee. No matter, one does not exist without the other, “let’s roll out!”

7. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: 12.1 secs @ 118 mph. Price: $106,000. A 6.2L V8 engine producing 510 HP along with 457 lb-ft of torque can be found in this participant. Luxury, power, and comfort sums up all that you can expect from Mercedes Benz.

8. Jaguar XKR-S: 12.5 secs @ 118 mph. Price: $133,000. The 5.0L supercharged DOHC V8 from Jaguar produces 550 HP and 502 lb-ft of torque. The XKR-S and its engine said to be the biggest that Jaguar has dared ventured into. Still, the plush and comfortable interior help make the ride pleasant.

9. Subaru BRZ: 14.9 secs @ 94 mph. Price: $28,000. Though only a 2.0L DOHC Flat 4 producing 200 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque, the BRZ can hold its own. Due to come out with a Turbo version, Subaru will continue to be a favorite to many people.

August 29, 2012 at 3:35 am | 1 comment

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